Application Deadline: June 14, 2026
LOCATION: Nigeria
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.
ELIGIBILITY:
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.
Innovation Theme
Choose Your Domain
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
BENEFIT:
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
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