OPay Innovation Challenge 2026: Apply to get up to ₦19.2 Million in Prizes

OPay unveils ₦19.2m innovation challenge for students

OPay has officially opened applications for the 2026 edition of its National Innovation Challenge, offering Nigerian undergraduate students the opportunity to compete for ₦19.2 million in grants, scholarships, mentorship programmes and career opportunities.

The initiative is part of the company’s broader effort to empower young innovators and support digital transformation across Africa through technology-driven solutions. According to details released by Scholarship Region, the competition is open to students from Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges who can demonstrate creativity, innovation and proficiency in AI-assisted design workflows.

The challenge comes at a time when technology innovation, artificial intelligence and digital entrepreneurship are becoming increasingly important in Nigeria’s economy. OPay says the programme is designed to help students transform innovative ideas into practical solutions capable of addressing real-life problems across several sectors.

Applications for the competition will remain open until June 14, 2026.

OPay Innovation Challenge Offers ₦19.2 Million in Prizes

The OPay Innovation Challenge 2026 features financial rewards, scholarships and professional development opportunities aimed at supporting the next generation of African innovators.

The overall winner, recognised as the “OPay National Innovator of the Year,” will receive a ₦10 million project grant alongside a ₦300,000 scholarship award. The winner will also benefit from mentorship by industry experts, prototype advisory support, media exposure and possible job placement opportunities.

The second-place team will receive ₦5 million in project funding plus a ₦300,000 scholarship award, while the third-place winner will go home with ₦3 million and a scholarship package worth ₦300,000.

Beyond cash prizes, participants will gain access to innovation bootcamps, networking opportunities and industry mentorship that could help transform student ideas into scalable businesses.

Eligible Students and Academic Requirements

According to the organisers, applicants must be undergraduate students currently enrolled in recognised Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in AI-assisted design tools, particularly workflows involving Canva and Gemini. In addition, applicants must meet the minimum academic performance criteria set by the organisers.

For polytechnics and colleges, students are required to maintain at least a 2.8 CGPA on a 4.0 scale, while university applicants must have a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale, equivalent to a second-class upper division.

Preference may also be given to students facing significant financial hardship, reflecting OPay’s intention to support talented young Nigerians who may lack access to funding opportunities.

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Innovation Themes Focus on Africa’s Future

The competition encourages students to develop innovative solutions across several high-impact sectors shaping Africa’s digital future.

Participants can submit projects in areas including:

Fintech and digital payments
Health technology
Cybersecurity and data protection
Education technology
Artificial intelligence and automation for social good
Climate and sustainability solutions
Agricultural technology
Digital tools for SMEs and the informal sector

These sectors reflect growing demand for practical technology solutions capable of solving economic, educational and social challenges across Nigeria and the wider African continent.

OPay Expands Commitment to Student Development

The Innovation Challenge builds on OPay’s existing ₦1.2 billion scholarship commitment aimed at supporting education and talent development in Nigeria.

Organisers say the initiative is more than a scholarship programme, describing it as a long-term platform for nurturing future innovators, entrepreneurs and technology leaders.

Shortlisted teams are expected to be announced in June 2026, after which finalists will participate in a six-week virtual innovation bootcamp led by OPay digital experts.

Top-performing contestants will also receive mentorship, internship opportunities and possible job placements. The best four teams will eventually pitch their projects to investors and technology industry leaders during the Empowering Futures Conference 2.0.

How Nigerian Students Can Apply

Interested applicants are required to complete their applications through the official programme portal before the June 14 deadline.

Applicants are advised to prepare strong innovation ideas, demonstrate technical understanding and clearly explain how their projects can address real-world challenges.

With rising interest in technology entrepreneurship and AI-driven innovation, the OPay Innovation Challenge 2026 is expected to attract applications from thousands of Nigerian students seeking funding, exposure and career opportunities.

FAQ

What is the OPay Innovation Challenge 2026?

The OPay Innovation Challenge 2026 is a nationwide competition for Nigerian undergraduate students designed to support innovative technology solutions. The programme offers grants, scholarships, mentorship and career opportunities for participants.

Who can apply for the OPay Innovation Challenge?

The competition is open to undergraduate students studying in recognised Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges.

What is the deadline for OPay Innovation Challenge 2026?

Applications for the OPay Innovation Challenge close on June 14, 2026.

How much can winners receive in the OPay Innovation Challenge?

The total prize pool is worth ₦19.2 million. The first-place winner receives ₦10 million plus a ₦300,000 scholarship award, while second and third-place winners also receive multi-million-naira grants and scholarships.

What are the benefits of the OPay Innovation Challenge?

Benefits include project grants, scholarship awards, mentorship, media exposure, innovation bootcamps, internship opportunities, advisory support and possible job placements.

What innovation sectors are accepted in the competition?

Students can submit ideas in fintech, healthtech, cybersecurity, edtech, artificial intelligence, climate solutions, agritech and digital tools for SMEs.

Do applicants need AI skills for the competition?

Yes. Applicants are expected to demonstrate proficiency in AI-assisted design workflows, especially using Canva and Gemini tools.

What CGPA is required for the OPay Innovation Challenge?

University students need a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale, while polytechnic and college students need at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.

Is the OPay Innovation Challenge only for tech students?

No. Students from any course of study can apply as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and present innovative ideas.

Will finalists receive mentorship opportunities?

Yes. Finalists will participate in a six-week virtual innovation bootcamp and receive mentorship from OPay digital experts and industry professionals.

Can participants get jobs through the programme?

According to the organisers, top-performing participants may receive internship placements, networking opportunities and possible job offers.

How can students apply for the OPay Innovation Challenge 2026?

Interested students can apply through the official application portal linked on the programme webpage before the closing date.