The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has officially launched its 2025/26 Innovation Challenge, inviting researchers, innovators, universities, and oil and gas service companies to submit technology-driven solutions addressing pressing industry challenges.
The competition, which began in December 2025, aims to discover, support, and commercialise local innovations across Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and related industries. Successful entries will gain access to the NCDMB Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre (TIIC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, for further development and mentorship.
Submissions must focus on specific thematic areas, including geological and geophysical studies, local materials substitution, technology development, health, safety and environmental solutions, engineering, and renewable energy.
For example, geological innovations should tackle exploration challenges and big data processing, while local materials projects could focus on sustainable environmental remediation or advanced cementing technologies.
On the technology front, proposals are expected to explore digitalisation, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and condensate refining. Health, safety, and environmental entries should cover carbon capture, water treatment, depollution, and hydrogen production.
Engineering-focused solutions are sought in areas such as enhanced oil recovery, refinery efficiency, instrumentation, and drilling technology. Renewable energy proposals may include solar, wind, and energy storage systems like batteries or thermal storage.
Entries, capped at 1,500 words, must be submitted within one month from the announcement. The selection process will narrow submissions to 30 for mentorship, then 10 in the second stage, and five finalists for the final pitch.
The top five winners will receive cash prizes, mentorship, and media exposure, while the top 10 will be integrated into the TIIC programme to further develop their innovations toward commercialisation.
This initiative reflects NCDMB’s ongoing commitment to fostering local content, technological advancement, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
