Winners Emerge in NSIA 4th Edition Prize for Innovation NPI 4.0
By Ewache Ajefu
Abuja, Nigeria | 26 October 2026 – The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA or the Authority) has announced the winners of the fourth edition of the NSIA Prize for Innovation (NPI 4.0), its flagship innovation and entrepreneurship programme supporting high-potential Nigerian startups developing solutions to critical economic and social challenges.
The announcement followed the NPI 4.0 Demo Day – themed “Building for Impact”, where 12 finalists, selected from 6,000 applications, pitched their solutions to an expert panel drawn from Nigeria’s business, investment and innovation ecosystems.
NPI 4.0 focused on startups operating in Manufacturing, Climate & Food Security, and Healthcare – sectors with significant potential to advance Nigeria’s economic growth, resilience and sustainable development.
Building on previous editions, NPI 4.0 expanded opportunities for participating startups through strategic partnerships, increased access to funding, and enhanced entrepreneurial development and business growth support. The edition offered a combined prize value of USD 275,000, comprising USD 220,000 from NSIA, USD 45,000 from Cascador and USD 10,000 from Wema Bank.
Following a competitive evaluation process, Come Again Foods emerged as the overall winner, receiving a combined prize value of USD 100,000. The company manufactures packaged snacks using locally sourced agricultural commodities.
Protein Kapital, which produces protein and biofertilisers through insect farming and the processing of organic waste, placed second, receiving a combined prize value of USD 70,000. Instant Rad Inc., an Al-enabled teleradiology platform connecting hospitals and diagnostic centres with radiologists across Africa, placed third, receiving a combined prize value of US 50,000.
Additional awards included:
• Cascador cash prizes: Eight Medical and Uwana Energy received USD 15,000 each.
• Cascador Impact prizes: Sambal Enterprises, Come Again Foods and Ebees Green received USD 5,000 each.
• Wema Bank prizes: Eight Medical, Smartel Agri Tech and Tryctor received USD 4,000 each.
Expanded Opportunities for NPI 4.0 Winners
Beyond the prize pool, NPI 4.0 provides pathways to further financing, business development and market access, enabling participating startups to strengthen their operations and scale proven solutions.
Eligible winners will have the opportunity to access up to USD 1.5 million in growth capital through Pula Xcelerator to support business expansion and operational growth.
In addition, winners will participate in a fully funded entrepreneurial development programme at the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Lagos. The programme will cover business strategy, leadership, governance, financial management, market expansion and investor readiness.
Building Nigerian Businesses for Impact
Speaking at the Demo Day, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSIA, said:
“The quality of solutions presented at this year’s Demo Day reflects the depth of innovation and entrepreneurial talent across Nigeria. Through the NSIA Prize for Innovation, we are not only recognising promising ideas; we are creating pathways for entrepreneurs to access the capital, capabilities, networks and partnerships needed to build sustainable, scalable businesses.”
“The evolution of NPI 4.0 and the expanded opportunities created through our partners reinforce our commitment to supporting Nigerian innovators developing practical solutions to critical challenges. We congratulate all the winners and finalists and look forward to seeing these businesses grow, create jobs and deliver meaningful economic and social impact.”
Building on a Growing Legacy
Since its inception, the NSIA Prize for Innovation has become an important platform for entrepreneurship development, innovation and ecosystem support in Nigeria.
Across its first three editions, NPl attracted more than 20,000 applications from startups across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, spanning sectors including financial technology, agriculture, healthcare, education, transportation and logistics.
Through funding, technical support, entrepreneurial training, mentorship and strategic partnerships, the programme helps promising Nigerian businesses strengthen their business models, expand their operations and improve their readiness for investment.
NPI 4.0 builds on this foundation, with a sharper focus on Manufacturing, Climate & Food Security, and Healthcare-sectors with significant potential to strengthen economic resilience, create jobs, improve livelihoods and advance sustainable development.
Beyond Demo Day
NPI 4.0 is designed as a structured development pathway, taking participating businesses from application and capacity building through pitching, funding and postcompetition support.
The programme comprises five stages:
• Pre-selection: Startups submit applications through the NPI application portal and are assessed against the programme’s eligibility and selection criteria.
• Accelerator: Selected startups participate in intensive capacity-building and business development sessions to strengthen their business propositions and prepare for investment and scale.
• Mini Demo Day: Shortlisted startups present their solutions as part of the finalist selection process.
• Demo Day: Finalists pitch their businesses to an expert panel of leaders from the business, investment and innovation ecosystems.
• Post-Demo Day: Winners and eligible finalists progress to further entrepreneurial development, mentorship, investor engagement and funding opportunities through NPl and its strategic partners.
Through this approach, NSIA seeks to help entrepreneurs translate innovation into resilient, investment-ready and scalable enterprises capable of delivering measurable economic and social impact.
The Authority congratulates all NPI 4.0 winners and finalists and reaffirms its commitment to advancing innovation, entrepreneurship and businesses that contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s long-term economic development.
