The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has showcased 298 Nigerian innovators from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to international investors and business partners in London, United Kingdom, as part of efforts to commercialise indigenous technologies and expand access to global markets.
The innovators participated in the international grand finale of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026, which attracted investors, entrepreneurs, diplomats, government officials and business leaders seeking opportunities for investment, technology transfer and international collaboration.
Speaking at the event, NBTI Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Kazeem Kolawole Raji, described innovation and technology commercialisation as critical to Nigeria’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy through enterprise development, investment and productivity.
Raji said sustainable economic growth would depend on Nigerians creating technologies, building businesses, generating intellectual property and competing successfully in global markets rather than relying solely on government intervention or natural resources.
According to him, the NextGen Innovation Challenge was conceived as a national innovation pipeline and global commercialisation platform designed to discover talent, nurture ideas, connect innovators with investors and create pathways into international markets.
He noted that participation in the London showcase increased from 105 innovators at the previous edition to 298 this year, describing the growth as evidence of rising confidence in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and the programme’s expanding reach.
Raji said NBTI was focused on moving innovations beyond the prototype stage through incubation, validation, investment readiness and market penetration, with the ultimate goal of creating viable businesses, jobs and wealth.
He urged international investors, venture capitalists, corporations and development partners to engage directly with the innovators, examine the technologies on display and explore opportunities for investment, joint ventures, licensing agreements, manufacturing partnerships and research collaboration.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, Ambassador Abu Obey Eche said the event provided a strategic platform to present Nigeria’s innovation potential to the global investment community.
Eche noted that London’s status as a major hub for finance, technology, research and enterprise made it an ideal location for Nigerian innovators seeking capital, partnerships and market access.
He added that the Nigerian High Commission would continue to support initiatives that connect local innovators to global opportunities.
The envoy also called on Nigerians in the diaspora to leverage their expertise, networks and financial resources to support emerging entrepreneurs, stressing that stronger collaboration could accelerate the growth of Nigerian enterprises in international markets.
An investor, Ms Erin Grover, said she was impressed by the quality of innovations and entrepreneurial ideas presented during the showcase, particularly those developed by women-led enterprises.
She expressed interest in investing in at least one of the female entrepreneurs she met at the event.
Drawing from her experience working with startups and nonprofit organisations across Africa and Asia, Grover encouraged innovators to remain resilient, learn from failures and continue pursuing their business goals despite the challenges associated swith entrepreneurship.
Also speaking, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in the United Kingdom and Executive Director of UKALD, Hon. Tunde Doherty, described the showcase as an opportunity for international investors to identify commercially viable products and technologies emerging from Nigeria.
He said the country possessed the talent and creative capacity to develop globally competitive solutions.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Mukhtar Muhammad, commended NBTI for expanding the programme and creating opportunities for young Nigerians.
He said innovation was about solving societal problems through practical solutions and pledged stronger support for the initiative.
The Organisers said the platform is expected to deliver measurable outcomes beyond the event through new businesses, investment deals, commercial partnerships, job creation and increased access to global markets for Nigerian innovations.
