Call for Applications: Opay Innovation Challenge For Undergraduates 2026 | ₦19.2 million Prizes
Applications are now open for the OPay | Google National Innovation Challenge and Bootcamp 2026 for undergraduate students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The programme is a national innovation and talent development initiative designed to empower young Nigerians to build technology-driven solutions capable of solving real problems across Africa.
Organized through the collaboration between OPay and Google, the programme combines innovation challenges, digital skills training, mentorship, scholarships, bootcamp learning, career opportunities, and funding support for student innovators.
About OPay
OPay is one of Nigeria’s leading fintech companies providing digital payment and financial technology services across the country.
Through its scholarship and innovation initiatives, OPay continues investing heavily in youth empowerment, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and technology development across Nigeria.
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About Google
Google is one of the world’s leading technology companies focused on internet services, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and global digital skills development.
Through partnerships and educational initiatives, Google continues supporting digital innovation and technology talent development across Africa.
About the Challenge
The OPay | Google National Innovation Challenge is designed to help Nigerian students develop innovative technology solutions while gaining practical digital skills, mentorship, and exposure to Africa’s growing technology ecosystem.
The programme goes beyond a normal competition by combining:
- Innovation training
- AI-assisted solution development
- Bootcamp learning
- Professional mentorship
- Career opportunities
- Funding support
- Scholarships
- Internship and job placement opportunities
The initiative is also part of OPay’s ₦1.2 billion 10-year scholarship and innovation commitment aimed at supporting future African innovators and digital leaders.
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Objectives of the Programme
- Build digital and problem-solving skills among Nigerian students
- Encourage innovation for social impact
- Support technology-driven solutions across multiple industries
- Connect talented students with mentors, investors, and employers
- Develop future African technology leaders and innovators
Innovation Areas
Participants can submit projects and ideas in areas such as:
- 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:
- Be undergraduate students in Nigerian tertiary institutions
- Be studying any course or discipline
- Demonstrate proficiency in AI-assisted design using Canva-Gemini workflow
- Have a minimum CGPA of:
- 2.8/4.0 for Colleges and Polytechnics
- 3.5/5.0 for Universities
- Be able to demonstrate financial hardship for preference consideration
Prizes and Benefits
1st Place — OPay National Innovator of the Year
- ₦10,000,000 project grant
- ₦300,000 scholarship award
- Certificate
- National media feature
- Mentorship with industry experts
- Prototype development support
- Job opportunity
2nd Place
- ₦5,000,000 project grant
- ₦300,000 scholarship award
- Certificate
- National media feature
- Prototype advisory support
- OPay Innovation Fellowship
3rd Place
- ₦3,000,000 project grant
- ₦300,000 scholarship award
- Certificate of participation
- National media feature
- OPay Innovation Fellowship
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Programme Stages and Timeline
May – June Applications and screening stage. Over 100,000 applications are expected, with 48 teams and 240 students to be shortlisted.
June – August Participants will undergo a 6-week virtual webinar series and a timed examination.
August – September Top teams will participate in a 6-week virtual innovation bootcamp hosted by OPay Digital experts.
July – December Outstanding participants will proceed into the OPay Futures mentorship programme with internship and job placement opportunities.
November 6 Top finalist teams will pitch their solutions before investors and technology industry leaders at the Empowering Futures Conference 2.0 Grand Finale.
Benefits of Participating
- Innovation and digital skills training
- AI and problem-solving exposure
- Mentorship from industry experts
- Access to funding opportunities
- Internship and job placement pathways
- Networking opportunities
- National recognition and media exposure
- Scholarship opportunities
Deadline: 14th June, 2026
