How to Apply for the NIMASA Free National Innovation Hackathon 2026

How to Apply for the NIMASA Free National Innovation Hackathon 2026

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced November 13, 2026, as the application deadline for its National Innovation Hackathon under the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (NIMASA-BEAP).

The initiative aims to encourage Nigerians to develop innovative solutions to challenges affecting the country’s maritime and blue economy industries.

The hackathon covers 13 innovation tracks, including maritime technology and logistics, maritime safety and security, green shipping, smart ports, sustainable fisheries, marine waste management, ocean data, marine tourism and biotechnology.

Nigerians aged 18 and above can apply, regardless of their educational background. Applications are free, and the programme welcomes innovators with ideas and startups addressing relevant blue economy challenges.

The hackathon is scheduled to take place from December 8 to 10, 2026. Applications will undergo evaluation and due diligence from November 16 to December 2, 2026.

Selected participants may progress to a 12-week accelerator programme in 2027, which is expected to provide structured mentorship, industry exposure and venture-development support. The programme will conclude with a Demo Day where participating ventures can present their solutions to investors and industry stakeholders.

Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official NIMASA-BEAP website before the November 13, 2026, deadline.

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Quick Facts

• Programme: NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (NIMASA-BEAP)
• Organiser: Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
• Opportunity: National Innovation Hackathon
• Category: Innovation Challenge | Hackathon | Accelerator
• Eligible Applicants: Nigerian innovators and startups
• Eligible Age: 18 years and above
• Educational Requirement: No specific educational background required
• Application Fee: Free
• Innovation Tracks: 13
• Hackathon Dates: December 8–10, 2026
• Application Deadline: November 13, 2026
• Evaluation and Due Diligence: November 16–December 2, 2026
• Accelerator Duration: 12 weeks
• Accelerator Year: 2027
• Application Method: Online application

What Is the NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon?

The NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon is an innovation initiative organised under the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme.

The programme encourages Nigerian innovators and startups to develop technology-driven solutions that address challenges and create opportunities within the maritime and blue economy industries.

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It provides an opportunity for participants to present innovative ideas and develop solutions that can contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The hackathon will take place from December 8 to 10, 2026, while selected participants may progress to a 12-week accelerator programme in 2027.

Is the NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon Right for You?

You should consider applying if:

• You are a Nigerian aged 18 or above.
• You have an innovative idea addressing a challenge in the maritime or blue economy industry.
• You are developing a startup or technology-driven solution relevant to the programme.
• You are interested in receiving structured mentorship and industry exposure.
• You want to develop your innovation through an accelerator programme.
• You are interested in presenting your solution to investors and industry stakeholders.

The opportunity is open regardless of educational background.

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What Does the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme Offer?

The programme provides opportunities for selected innovators to develop their solutions and gain exposure to the maritime and blue economy industries.

12-Week Accelerator Programme

Selected participants may progress to a 12-week accelerator programme in 2027.

Structured Mentorship

The accelerator is expected to provide structured mentorship to help participating innovators develop their solutions.

Industry Exposure

Participants are expected to receive industry exposure within the maritime and blue economy sectors.

Venture-Development Support

The programme is expected to provide support for developing participating ventures.

Demo Day

The programme will conclude with a Demo Day where participating ventures can present their solutions to investors and industry stakeholders.

Important: Selection for the hackathon does not automatically guarantee admission into the accelerator programme or funding.

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Who Can Apply for the NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon?

The hackathon is open to Nigerians who meet the following eligibility requirements:

Age Requirement

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The earlier age restriction has been removed.

Nationality

The opportunity is open to Nigerians.

Educational Background

There is no specific educational background requirement. Nigerians aged 18 and above can apply regardless of their educational qualifications.

Innovation Requirements

Applicants should have innovative ideas or startup solutions addressing challenges in the maritime and blue economy industries.

What Are the NIMASA Hackathon Innovation Tracks?

The NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon covers 13 innovation tracks.

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These tracks include:

Maritime Technology and Logistics

Innovations addressing technology, operations and logistics challenges within the maritime industry.

Maritime Safety and Security

Solutions that address safety and security challenges in maritime operations.

Green Shipping

Innovations that support environmentally sustainable shipping practices.

Smart Ports

Technology solutions that improve port operations and efficiency.

Sustainable Fisheries

Innovations that promote sustainable fishing practices and improve fisheries management.

Marine Waste Management

Solutions addressing waste management challenges in marine environments.

Ocean Data

Innovations involving ocean data collection, management and application.

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Marine Tourism

Solutions that support the development and improvement of marine tourism.

Biotechnology

Innovations involving biotechnology applications relevant to the maritime and blue economy sectors.

The announcement identifies 13 innovation tracks, but the available information does not provide the names of all 13 individually.

What Do You Need to Apply for the NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon?

Interested applicants should prepare the information and materials required for the online application.

These include:

• Founder information.
• Team details, where applicable.
• Startup information, where applicable.
• Details of the proposed innovation.
• The relevant innovation track.
• An explanation of the proposed solution.
• Required supporting documents.

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Applicants should ensure that their information is accurate and that their proposed solutions relate to the selected innovation track.

How Competitive Is the NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon?

Applications will undergo evaluation and due diligence after the application period closes.

The evaluation and due diligence process is scheduled to take place from November 16 to December 2, 2026.

Submitting an application does not guarantee selection, funding or admission into the 12-week accelerator programme.

Selected participants may progress to the hackathon and subsequently have the opportunity to participate in the accelerator programme.

How to Apply for the NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon 2026

Interested and eligible Nigerians can apply online by following these steps:

1. Visit the official NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme website using the link below.
2. Select the application option on the website.
3. Create an account on the application platform.
4. Provide the requested founder, team and startup information.
5. Select the innovation track that best matches your proposed solution.
6. Explain your proposed innovation and the problem it addresses.
7. Upload the required supporting documents.
8. Review your application to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete.
9. Submit your application before the November 13, 2026, deadline.

Apply here 

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NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon 2026 Application and Programme Timeline

The programme will follow the announced timeline below.

Application Deadline

November 13, 2026.

Evaluation and Due Diligence

November 16 to December 2, 2026.

National Innovation Hackathon

December 8 to 10, 2026.

Accelerator Programme

Selected participants may progress to a 12-week accelerator programme in 2027.

Demo Day

The accelerator programme will conclude with a Demo Day where participating ventures can present their solutions to investors and industry stakeholders.

Important Things to Know Before Applying

• Applications are free.
• Applicants must be Nigerians aged 18 and above.
• There is no specific educational background requirement.

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• The programme covers 13 innovation tracks.
• Applicants can submit ideas or startup solutions addressing relevant blue economy challenges.
• The application deadline is November 13, 2026.
• Applications will undergo evaluation and due diligence from November 16 to December 2, 2026.
• The hackathon will take place from December 8 to 10, 2026.
• Selected participants may progress to a 12-week accelerator programme in 2027.
• Submitting an application does not guarantee selection, funding or admission into the accelerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon free?

Yes. Applications for the NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon are free.

Who can apply for the NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon?

Nigerians aged 18 and above can apply, regardless of their educational background.

What is the minimum age requirement?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Do I need a university degree to apply?

No. There is no specific educational background requirement.

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How many innovation tracks does the hackathon cover?

The hackathon covers 13 innovation tracks relating to the maritime and blue economy industries.

When is the NIMASA hackathon application deadline?

The application deadline is Friday, November 13, 2026.

When will the NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon take place?

The hackathon is scheduled for December 8–10, 2026.

What happens after the hackathon?

Selected participants may progress to a 12-week accelerator programme in 2027, which is expected to provide mentorship, industry exposure and venture-development support.

Will participants receive funding?

The available announcement does not specify a guaranteed cash prize or funding amount. Applicants should not assume that participation guarantees funding.

How can I apply for the NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon?

Interested applicants should visit https://nbeap.nimasa.gov.ng/, create an account, provide the requested information, select an innovation track, explain their proposed solution and submit the required supporting documents before the deadline.

Conclusion

The NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon 2026 provides Nigerians aged 18 and above with an opportunity to present innovative solutions addressing challenges in the maritime and blue economy industries.

Selected participants may also progress to a 12-week accelerator programme in 2027, with access to structured mentorship, industry exposure and venture-development support.

Interested applicants should complete their free online applications through the official NIMASA-BEAP website before Friday, November 13, 2026.