Backed by OPay’s ₦1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship initiative, this program goes beyond financial support to provide mentorship, skills development, and career opportunities in the tech ecosystem.

If you are a Nigerian student passionate about innovation, this is your chance to gain funding, exposure, and access to industry leaders.

Overview of OPay Innovation Challenge 2026

About the OPay Innovation Challenge

The OPay Innovation Challenge is more than just a competition—it is a holistic development platform aimed at nurturing the next generation of African tech leaders.

By combining:

• Financial support
• Innovation-driven competitions
• Professional training
• Mentorship programs
• Career placement opportunities

OPay provides a strong foundation for students to become technovators and digital transformation leaders in Africa.

Objectives of the Program

The challenge is designed to:

• Build digital and problem-solving skills among Nigerian undergraduates
• Encourage the development of tech-driven solutions to societal problems
• Foster innovation in sectors like healthcare, finance, and agriculture
• Connect students with industry experts, investors, and job opportunities

Innovation Themes (Choose Your Domain)

Participants are expected to create solutions in any of the following high-impact sectors:

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

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the OPay Innovation Challenge 2026, applicants must:

• Be an undergraduate student in a recognized Nigerian tertiary institution
• Be studying any course of choice
• Have a minimum CGPA of:
  • 2.8/4.0 (Polytechnics/Colleges) OR
  • 3.5/5.0 (Universities – Second Class Upper)
• Demonstrate proficiency in AI-assisted design (Canva–Gemini workflow)
• Show evidence of financial need (preferred but not mandatory)

Prizes and Benefits

Grand Finale Awards

1st Place – OPay National Innovator of the Year

• ₦10,000,000 project grant
• ₦300,000 scholarship award
• National media recognition
• Mentorship from industry experts
• Prototype development support
• Job opportunity

2nd Place

• ₦5,000,000 project grant
• ₦300,000 scholarship
• Media feature
• Prototype advisory support
• OPay Innovation Fellowship

3rd Place

• ₦3,000,000 project grant
• ₦300,000 scholarship
• Certificate of participation
• Media recognition
• OPay Innovation Fellowship

Programme Stages & Timeline (2026)

May – June: Applications & Screening

• Over 100,000 applications expected
• 48 teams (240 students) shortlisted

June – August: Webinars & Exam

• 6-week virtual training program
• Timed online assessment (30 questions in 30 minutes)
• The top 10 teams advance

August – September: Bootcamp

• Intensive 6-week innovation bootcamp
• Guided by OPay digital experts

July – December: OPay Futures Program

• Mentorship opportunities
• Internship placements
• Career development pathways

November 6: Grand Finale

• Top 4 teams pitch to investors and tech leaders
• Held at the Empowering Futures Conference 2.0

Application Deadline

• Deadline: June 14, 2026

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Application Requirements

Applicants must ensure:

• All submissions are in English
• Files are in PDF, JPEG, or MP4 format
• Each file does not exceed 10MB

Why You Should Apply

The OPay Innovation Challenge is a rare opportunity to:

• Gain access to millions in funding
• Build real-world tech solutions
• Learn from industry experts
• Secure internships and job offers
• Become part of Africa’s digital transformation

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the official OPay Innovation Challenge portal before the deadline.

Make sure your application is complete and meets all requirements to increase your chances of selection.

For more details, click here.

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the OPay Innovation Challenge 2026?

Only undergraduate students currently studying in Nigerian tertiary institutions are eligible.

2. Do I need a tech background to apply?

Not necessarily. Students from all disciplines can apply as long as they can develop innovative solutions.

3. Is the challenge free to enter?

Yes, the application is completely free.

4. Can I apply as part of a team?

Yes, shortlisted candidates will eventually be grouped into teams.

5. What is the main benefit of participating?

Participants gain funding, mentorship, exposure, and career opportunities in the tech industry.

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