OPay Innovation Challenge 2026:  ₦19.2 million Prizes

OPay Innovation Challenge

OPay’s National Innovation Challenge empowers Nigeria’s brightest undergraduates to create tech solutions that transform Africa.

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OPay Innovation Challenge is Opay’s flagship ₦1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship with an innovation challenge, professional skill-building, mentorship, and job placement opportunities.

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OPay Innovation Challenge Abstract

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Opay Innovation Challenge For Undergraduates Details

OPay’s National Innovation Challenge empowers Nigeria’s brightest undergraduates to create tech solutions that transform Africa.

The Innovation Challenge is an expanded, holistic initiative that builds on OPay’s flagship ₦1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship commitment.

By combining financial aid with an innovation challenge, professional skill-building, mentorship, and job placement opportunities, it provides talented Nigerian undergraduates with an enabling platform to become the next generation of African technovators and drivers of digital transformation.

OPay Innovation Challenge 2026 Benefits

The OPay Innovation Challenge offers the following benefits;

  • 1st Place (OPay National Innovator of the Year)
    • ₦10,000,000 project grant + ₦300,000 Scholarship Award
    • Certificate + national media feature
    • Mentorship with industry experts
    • Advisory support for prototype development
    • Job opportunity
  • 2nd Place
    • ₦5,000,000 project grant + ₦300,000 Scholarship Award
    • Certificate + national media feature
    • Advisory support for prototype development
    • OPay Innovation Fellowship
  • 3rd Place
    • ₦3,000,000 project grant + ₦300,000 Scholarship Award
    • Certificate of participation + national media feature
    • OPay Innovation Fellowship

Innovation Themes for OPay National Innovation Challenge

Participants can innovate across any of these high-impact sectors reshaping Africa’s future.

  • Fintech & Digital Payments
  • Healthtech
  • Cybersecurity & Data Protection
  • Edtech
  • AI & Automation for Social Good
  • Climate & Sustainability Solutions
  • Agritech
  • Digital Tools for SMEs & Informal Sector

Opay Innovation Challenge For Undergraduates Requirements

To be eligible for the Opay Innovation Challenge For Undergraduates, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

  • Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in AI-assisted design (canva-gemini workflow)
  • Must be an undergraduate student offering any course of study in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution.
  • Must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) score of 2.8/4 for Colleges/Polytechnics, or 3.5/5 (second-class upper credit) for Universities.
  • Preference will be given to students who can demonstrate significant financial hardship.

MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU

Opay Innovation Challenge Stages & 2026 Timeline

May – June: Applications & Screening

Over 100,000 applications are projected to be received. 48 teams of 240 students to be shortlisted and announced by June.

Jun – Aug: Webinars & Exam

6-week virtual webinar series + timed exam (30 Qs, 30 mins). Top 10 teams advance to the Bootcamp.

Aug – Sept :Boot Camp

Finalist will attend a 6-week virtual innovation bootcamp hosted by OPay Digitals experts.

July – December: OPay Futures

High-performing contestants go through mentorship with internships and job placement opportunities.

Nov 6: Grand Finale

The top 4 teams will pitch their refined solutions to tech industry giants and angel investors at the Empowering Futures Conference 2.0.

How To Apply for OPay Innovation Challenge 2026

To apply for the OPay Innovation Challenge 2026, follow the instructions we have outlined below; 

  • Read the information we have provided on this webpage and ensure your eligibility
  • Click APPLY NOW and proceed to the application portal.
  • Shortlisted teams will be announced in June 2026.
  • Finalist will attend a 6-week virtual innovation bootcamp hosted by OPay Digitals experts.
  • High-performing contestants go through mentorship with internships and job placement opportunities.
  • The top 4 teams will pitch their refined solutions to tech industry giants and angel investors at the Empowering Futures Conference 2.0.

Begin your application by clicking on the button below.

Deadline: June 4th, 2026

CLICK HERE TO APPLY
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