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OPay, one of Africa’s leading fintech platforms, is proud to announce the OPay Innovation Challenge 2026, a call to Nigeria’s brightest innovators, developers, product managers, and tech entrepreneurs.
You will learn more about the OPay Innovation Challenge 2026 in the sections below.
Also see: Delta State 2025/2026 Students Special Assistance Scheme (SSAS) – Apply for Bursary Award
Quick Summary of OPay Innovation Challenge 2026 – ₦10,000,000 Project Grant
| Company | OPay |
| Category | Grants |
| Eligible Country | Nigeria |
| Title | OPay Innovation Challenge 2026 |
| Location | Nationwide |
| Benefits | ₦10,000,000 Project Grant |
| Application End Date: | June 14, 2026 |
About OPay Innovation Challenge 2026
The Innovation Challenge is a comprehensive, broader initiative that complements OPay’s flagship ₦1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship commitment.
It offers exceptional Nigerian undergraduates an enabling platform to become the next generation of African technovators and drivers of digital transformation by integrating financial aid with an innovation challenge, professional skill-building, mentorship, and job placement opportunities.
Objectives
- Build digital and problem-solving skills in Nigeria’s next generation of innovators.
- Drive technology solutions for real social impact — from healthcare to agriculture to finance.
- Connect top talent with mentorship, funding, and career opportunities in Africa’s tech ecosystem.
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
Eligibility Criteria
- 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.
Prizes and Benefits
Grand Finale Prizes
1 st 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
2 nd Place
- ₦5,000,000 project grant + ₦300,000 Scholarship Award
- Certificate + national media feature
- Advisory support for prototype development
- OPay Innovation Fellowship
3 rd Place
- ₦3,000,000 project grant + ₦300,000 Scholarship Award
- Certificate of participation + national media feature
- OPay Innovation Fellowship
Programme 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
- Finalists 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.
Deadline
June 14, 2026
Note
- Incomplete applications will not be considered. All submissions must be in English. Files accepted: PDF, JPEG, or MP4 (max 10MB each)
How to Apply for OPay Innovation Challenge 2026
- Click the APPLY HERE button below to access the Opay Innovation Challenge 2026 official application portal
- Click on Now button at the bottom to access the application form
- Complete the application form and submit
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