UNDP NORTHEAST COMMUNITY INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2026
NORTHEAST COMMUNITY INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2026
Organisation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Funding Partner: Government of Japan
Implementing Partner: Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Maiduguri
Location: Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States, Nigeria
Opportunity Type: Innovation Challenge and Grant Funding
Application Deadline: 27 November 2026
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with funding support from the Government of Japan and in partnership with the Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Maiduguri, is inviting applications from individuals and teams with innovative ideas capable of addressing community challenges in Northeast Nigeria.
The Northeast Community Innovation Challenge aims to support local innovators in developing practical solutions that contribute to community recovery, improve livelihoods, and address pressing social and economic challenges.
Selected applicants will receive intensive training and mentorship to develop their ideas into practical solutions. Participants will also have the opportunity to build working prototypes through a Design and Prototyping Bootcamp at the Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Maiduguri.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Applications are encouraged from innovators with solutions in the following areas:
- Agriculture and Livestock
- Construction and Shelter
- Health Services
- Education and Skills Development
WHAT SELECTED INNOVATORS WILL RECEIVE
- Intensive training and mentorship to strengthen their innovative ideas.
- Opportunity to participate in a Design and Prototyping Bootcamp at the University of Maiduguri.
- Opportunity to develop and test working samples of their proposed solutions.
- A grant of $5,000 for each of the five selected innovative solutions to support implementation in their communities.
- Transport, feeding, and accommodation support for training activities in Maiduguri.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Individuals and teams with innovative ideas are eligible to apply.
- Applicants should have ideas capable of addressing real challenges in communities across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.
- Proposed solutions should align with at least one of the programme’s identified focus areas.
- Women innovators are strongly encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
27 November 2026.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should complete the online application form through the link below:
APPLICATION IS FREE. Applicants are advised not to pay anyone to apply.
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