OPay has officially opened applications for the 2026 OPay Innovation Challenge, a nationwide technology and innovation competition designed to empower Nigerian undergraduates with funding, mentorship, scholarships, and career opportunities.
The initiative forms part of OPay’s broader ₦1.2 billion scholarship and youth empowerment commitment focused on supporting the next generation of African innovators, problem-solvers, and technology leaders.
According to the organisers, the programme goes beyond a traditional competition by combining innovation, entrepreneurship, digital skill development, mentorship, and career growth opportunities into one structured platform.
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The challenge is targeted at students with innovative ideas capable of solving real problems across sectors such as finance, healthcare, agriculture, education, climate sustainability, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
About the 2026 OPay Innovation Challenge
The OPay Innovation Challenge was created to help Nigerian students transform innovative ideas into practical technology-driven solutions with real social and economic impact.
The programme aims to identify talented undergraduates across Nigerian tertiary institutions and provide them with the support needed to scale their ideas while preparing them for opportunities within Africa’s growing digital economy.
Participants will gain access to:
- Innovation training
- Professional mentorship
- Career development support
- Industry exposure
- Funding opportunities
- Internship and job placement pathways
The organisers noted that the programme is designed to build Africa’s future innovators while helping students develop practical problem-solving and digital skills.
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Innovation Areas and Focus Sectors
Applicants can submit innovative ideas across several high-impact sectors shaping Africa’s future.
These include:
- Fintech & Digital Payments
- Healthtech
- Cybersecurity & Data Protection
- Edtech
- AI & Automation for Social Good
- Climate & Sustainability Solutions
- Agritech
- Digital Tools for SMEs & Informal Sector
Participants are encouraged to develop solutions capable of addressing real-life challenges within communities and industries.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the OPay Innovation Challenge 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be an undergraduate student in a Nigerian tertiary institution
- Open to students from all courses and disciplines
- Must demonstrate proficiency in AI-assisted design using Canva-Gemini workflow
- Must have a minimum CGPA of:
- 2.8/4.0 for Colleges and Polytechnics
- 3.5/5.0 for Universities
- Preference may be given to students facing significant financial hardship
Applicants are advised to ensure all information submitted during application is accurate and verifiable.
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Prizes and Benefits
The competition offers significant funding, scholarships, and professional opportunities for top-performing teams.
1. 1st Place — OPay National Innovator of the Year
Winners will receive:
- ₦10,000,000 project grant
- ₦300,000 scholarship award
- National media recognition
- Certificate of achievement
- Mentorship from industry experts
- Prototype development support
- Job opportunity
1. 2nd Place
Selected team will receive:
- ₦5,000,000 project grant
- ₦300,000 scholarship award
- Media recognition
- Prototype advisory support
- OPay Innovation Fellowship
3. 3rd Place
Benefits include:
- ₦3,000,000 project grant
- ₦300,000 scholarship award
- Certificate of participation
- National media feature
- OPay Innovation Fellowship
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Programme Timeline and Stages
The challenge will run in several stages throughout 2026.
Stage 1 — Applications & Screening (May – June)
- Over 100,000 applications are expected
- 48 teams consisting of 240 students will be shortlisted
Stage 2 — Webinars & Examination (June – August)
Shortlisted candidates will participate in:
- 6-week virtual webinar sessions
- Timed online examination
- Top 10 teams will advance to the bootcamp stage
Stage 3 — Innovation Bootcamp (August – September)
Finalists will attend:
- 6-week virtual bootcamp
- Training sessions hosted by OPay digital experts
- Innovation and prototype development support
Stage 4 — OPay Futures Mentorship (July – December)
High-performing participants may receive:
- Mentorship opportunities
- Internship placements
- Career and job support
Grand Finale — November 6, 2026
The top four teams will pitch their innovations to:
- Tech industry leaders
- Investors
- Angel funding networks
- Business stakeholders
The final pitch event will hold during the Empowering Futures Conference 2.0.
Application Deadline
June 14, 2026
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How to Apply for OPay Innovation Challenge 2026 for Nigerian Undergraduates
Interested applicants can follow the steps below to apply successfully:
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Portal
Go to OPay Innovation Challenge 2026 application portal
Step 2: Read the Programme Requirements Carefully
Review the eligibility conditions, submission requirements, and programme guidelines before starting your application.
Step 3: Prepare Your Innovation Submission
Applicants may need to submit:
- Project idea or concept
- Supporting documents
- Presentation materials
- Video or prototype files where required
Accepted formats include:
- JPEG
- MP4
Maximum file size allowed is 10MB per file.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill in your:
- Personal details
- Academic information
- Innovation project details
- Contact information
Ensure all details are correct before submission.
Step 5: Submit Before Deadline
Applications must be completed before the official deadline.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Interested students are strongly encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
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Conclusion on how to apply for 2026 OPay Innovation Challenge
The 2026 OPay Innovation Challenge presents a major opportunity for Nigerian undergraduates to transform innovative ideas into impactful solutions while gaining access to funding, mentorship, scholarships, and career opportunities.
With millions of naira available in grants and a structured innovation support system, the programme is expected to attract talented students across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Students with strong technology-driven ideas and passion for innovation are encouraged to prepare their applications and participate before the deadline.
You can also check out Dailylight Channel Undergraduate Scholarship Category for latest and ongoing scholarships you are eligible to apply and/or share it with someone you know.
