ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has unveiled the 2025/2026 Nigerian Content Research, Innovation, and Technology Challenge, inviting submissions designed to address critical technological gaps within the oil and gas industry and related sectors.
In a statement issued by its General Manager of Corporate Communications, Obinna Ezeobi, the board said the initiative, which began in December 2025, is open to individuals, research bodies, academic institutions, industry suppliers, and members of the public with innovative research concepts.
The NCDMB explained that shortlisted applicants will be admitted into its Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre located in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where they will receive mentorship and technical support to transform their ideas into commercially viable solutions.
According to the board, submitted proposals must fall within approved thematic areas and priority industry needs, including geological and geophysical studies, local materials substitution, technology development, health, safety and environmental studies, engineering, and renewable energy.
It stated that innovations under geological and geophysical studies should target exploration solutions, big data applications, and real-time logging data processing.
Proposals on local materials substitution are expected to focus on sustainable materials for environmental remediation, cryogenic technology for liquefied natural gas and refinery operations, as well as ultra-high temperature pressure cementing.
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For technology development, the board said it is seeking innovations in demulsification technology, Internet of Things applications in exploration and production, and condensate refining.
Health, safety, and environment-related proposals should address carbon capture, utilisation and storage, produced water management, depollution systems, and hydrogen production technologies aimed at improving carbon dioxide capture.
Engineering-focused submissions are expected to cover enhanced oil recovery, refinery unit efficiency, laboratory analytical equipment, drilling technologies, and instrumentation and control systems.
Renewable energy proposals, the board added, should centre on solar and wind solutions, alongside energy storage systems such as batteries, hydrogen storage, thermal storage, and molten salts.
The NCDMB noted that proposals must not exceed 1,500 words and should be submitted within one month of publication.
Required details include the name of the company or institution, thematic area, title, description of the innovation, objectives, team composition, funding structure, marketing strategy, and risk assessment.
At the initial stage of the competition, the board said 30 proposals will be shortlisted and assigned mentors to assist in developing demonstrations and presentations.
These will be reduced to 10 at the second stage and eventually to five finalists on the final day of the challenge.
“The innovators will present their business pitches and demos to corporate venture capitalists to invest, drive innovation and expand market reach, while helping emerging businesses grow,” the board stated.
The NCDMB added that the top five winners will receive cash rewards, mentorship, and media exposure, while the top 10 participants will be onboarded into the Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre at the Nigerian Content Tower for further refinement and commercialisation of their ideas.
“Prizes will be awarded to the top five winners of the competition in the form of cash, mentorship opportunities, and media coverage, while the top 10 participants will be onboarded into the TIIC at the Nigerian Content Tower for guidance and further development of their innovation to commercialisation,” the statement added.