Research to Commercialization · Grand Finale 3–5 August 2026 · NCDMB Towers, Yenagoa
30
Shortlisted Innovators
15
Competitors
3
R2C Stages
4
Core Pillars
Programme plan figures for the Maiden Edition
Edition Overview
The 2026 Maiden Edition
The Maiden Edition of the Tech Innovation Challenge promotes Research to Commercialization (R2C), from lab to market, discovering and empowering Nigeria's brightest innovators in the energy sector.
Tech Transfer · Industry Partnerships · Funding · Business Strategy
Physical bootcamp at NCDMB Tower, Yenagoa
Grand finale: 3–5 August 2026
Post-competition incubation and funding support
Programme Structure
Stages of the Challenge
Each stage includes clear outputs and expectations for participants.
Stage 1 · Completed
Screening
Entries are reviewed by an expert panel using a structured scoring rubric assessing technical merit, novelty, feasibility, and industry relevance.
Output: Top 30 innovators selected.
Stage 2 · Completed
Online Pitching
Shortlisted innovators pitch virtually before a panel of judges. The top 15 competitors are selected based on clarity, innovation, impact potential, and scalability.
Output: 15 competitors announced.
Stage 3A · Completed
Mentorship
Competitors undergo a four-week virtual mentorship programme covering business modelling, pitch refinement, technical development, and market strategy.
Output: Prepared for bootcamp.
Stage 3B · Ongoing
Bootcamp
An intensive physical bootcamp at NCDMB Tower, Yenagoa featuring hands-on sessions, prototype refinement, pitch practice, and expert feedback.
Output: Final pitch readiness.
Stage 4 · Upcoming · 3–5 August 2026
Grand Finale
Competitors present their solutions to NCDMB leadership and a panel of judges at NCDMB Towers, Yenagoa. Winners are selected and awarded based on innovation, feasibility, and industry impact.
Output: Winners announced.
Post-Competition · Upcoming
Incubation
Winners receive product development support, access to NCDMB's innovation space, funding pathways, and industry linkages to scale their solutions.
Timeline
TIC 2026 Programme Calendar
Status at a glance: completed milestones, what is ongoing now, and what is still ahead.
CompletedOngoingUpcoming
Completed
Jun 2026
Mobilisation
Programme inauguration and activation.
Completed
Jun 2026
Screening
Expert panel selects top 30 innovators.
Completed
Jun 2026
Online Pitching
Virtual pitches; 15 competitors selected.
Completed
Jun–Jul
Mentorship
Four-week virtual capacity development.
Ongoing
Jul 2026
Bootcamp
Physical programme at NCDMB Tower.
Upcoming
3–5 Aug
Grand Finale
Live pitches and awards at NCDMB Towers.
Upcoming
Post-Aug
Incubation
Support, funding, and industry linkages.
Competition
Competitors
The top 15 innovators advancing to the physical bootcamp. Profiles and product images will be published as they are confirmed.
CompetitorPhoto TBC
Name TBC
Startup / Project
CompetitorPhoto TBC
Name TBC
Startup / Project
CompetitorPhoto TBC
Name TBC
Startup / Project
CompetitorPhoto TBC
Name TBC
Startup / Project
CompetitorPhoto TBC
Name TBC
Startup / Project
CompetitorPhoto TBC
Name TBC
Startup / Project
Winners will be announced after the grand finale · 1st · 2nd · 3rd place
