Apply to NIMASA National Innovation Hackathon

NIMASA NATIONAL INNOVATION HACKATHON 2026

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is inviting eligible Nigerian innovators to apply for the National Innovation Hackathon 2026, a flagship activation of the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (NIMASA-BEAP).

The programme is designed to identify, develop and connect high-potential solutions addressing challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

ABOUT THE HACKATHON

The National Innovation Hackathon will take place from 8–10 December 2026 and will serve as the talent-discovery engine of NIMASA-BEAP.

Selected high-potential ventures can progress to the NIMASA-BEAP Accelerator, a structured 12-week venture development programme running from January to April 2027, followed by a National Demo Day in April 2027.

The programme aims to connect promising ventures with investors, industry partners, potential customers and market opportunities.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The call is open to Nigerians aged 18–40.

Applicants can include:

1. Students
2. Graduates
3. Researchers
4. Developers
5. Engineers
6. Artisans
7. Entrepreneurs

Applications can be submitted individually or as a team.

No entry fee is required.

Women, persons with disabilities and participants from all six geopolitical zones are encouraged to apply.

INNOVATION TRACKS

Solutions should address at least one of the validated maritime and blue-economy challenge areas, including:

1. Maritime Logistics and Supply Chain

Develop digital systems that improve the movement of cargo, vessels and data across Nigeria’s ports and shipping lanes.

2. Maritime Safety, Surveillance and Security

Develop technology that improves the safety and security of Nigeria’s maritime domain.

3. Green Shipping and Vessel Decarbonisation

Create solutions that reduce emissions and support sustainable shipping.

4. Seafarer Welfare and Workforce Technology

Develop tools that improve the health, safety, welfare and productivity of seafarers.

5. Port Digitisation and Smart Port Solutions

Develop digital solutions for port operations, including cargo tracking, customs and related processes.

6. Marine Waste Management and Blue Circular Economy

Create circular-economy solutions that address marine waste while generating economic value.

7. Aquaculture and Sustainable Fisheries

Develop technology that supports sustainable fish farming and protects Nigeria’s fisheries.

8. Coastal and Artisanal Fisheries Value Chain

Develop solutions that strengthen the value chain from fishing communities through processing, distribution and markets.

9. Ocean Data and Analytics

Harness data and analytics to support smarter decisions across Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy.

10. Nature-Based Coastal Defence Solutions

Develop nature-based solutions such as mangroves, wetlands and living shorelines to protect Nigeria’s coastal areas.

11. Marine Tourism and Coastal Recreation

Develop platforms, products and experiences that support Nigeria’s coastal and marine tourism potential.

12. Marine Biotechnology

Explore the biological potential of Nigeria’s marine environment for applications including pharmaceuticals and bio-based products.

13. Deep Seabed Mining Technologies and Research

Develop technology and research approaches for the responsible exploration of Nigeria’s deep-sea mineral resources.

Official track definitions and detailed challenge statements are available on the NIMASA-BEAP portal.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be screened for eligibility and assessed by an independent panel of technical, industry and innovation experts.

Evaluation will consider:

1. Relevance to the maritime and blue economy
2. Innovation
3. Feasibility
4. Scalability
5. Commercial potential
6. Impact
7. Team capability

WHAT SUCCESSFUL PARTICIPANTS CAN GAIN

Qualifying ventures may progress to the 12-week NIMASA-BEAP Accelerator from January to April 2027.

Participants may also gain access to:

1. Structured mentorship from maritime industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs.
2. Engagement with investors, industry partners and potential customers.
3. National Demo Day opportunities in April 2027.
4. Potential pathways to pilots, offtake arrangements and market entry within Nigeria’s blue economy.
5. Opportunities for partnerships, visibility and market development.

KEY DATES

APPLICATIONS OPEN: Monday, 5 October 2026

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Friday, 13 November 2026

HACKATHON: 8–10 December 2026

NIMASA-BEAP ACCELERATOR: January–April 2027

NATIONAL DEMO DAY: April 2027

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should complete the online application through the official NIMASA-BEAP portal:

APPLY HERE – NIMASA-BEAP Portal

Applicants should clearly state the innovation track being addressed, the problem being solved, the proposed solution and the composition of the applying team.

Participation, intellectual property and commercialisation terms applicable to the Hackathon are published on the programme portal.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

ENQUIRIES

Email: nbeap@nimasa.gov.ng

Phone: +234913 958 3682

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Participation is free. No payment is required at any stage of the application or programme.

Applicants are advised to rely only on information published through the official NIMASA-BEAP channels and to beware of fraudsters claiming to represent NIMASA or the programme.