Apply to USPF Changemaker Challenge 2026
USPF Changemaker Challenge 2026 – Applications Open for Innovation Teams and Startups Across Nigeria
The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, is inviting applications for the USPF Changemaker Challenge 2026.
The challenge seeks to promote digital inclusion through homegrown Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovations that address real problems affecting underserved and unserved communities across Nigeria.
Innovation teams and early-stage startups are encouraged to develop practical technology solutions that improve access to essential services in agriculture, education, healthcare, clean energy and financial inclusion.
Challenge Sectors
Applicants are expected to develop an ICT-based solution addressing one of the following five challenge sectors:
- Agriculture: Developing digital solutions that help farmers and agricultural businesses access information, services and tools to improve productivity and livelihoods.
- Education: Improving access to learning opportunities and educational resources for children, young people and educators in underserved communities.
- Healthcare: Developing solutions that improve access to reliable health information, essential healthcare services and continuous care.
- Clean and Affordable Energy: Promoting access to reliable and affordable clean energy solutions for underserved households, businesses and community services.
- Financial Inclusion: Developing solutions that help individuals and small businesses access safe and affordable financial services and manage their financial needs.
Eligibility Requirements
The challenge is open to innovation teams and early-stage startups across all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Apply as a team consisting of 2 to 5 members.
- Every team member must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit.
- Applicants must be Nigerian citizens or legal residents living in Nigeria.
- Teams must have an ICT-driven idea, prototype, Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or working system addressing one of the five challenge sectors.
- Business registration is not compulsory.
- Selected teams must be available to participate in the virtual Regional Demo Days and the National Demo Day if shortlisted.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are required to complete their applications online through the InnoX application platform.
The application process involves the following steps:
- Choose one of the five challenge sectors that aligns with the team’s innovation.
- Read and understand the selected sector’s problem statement, challenge question and illustrative areas.
- Create an account on the InnoX application platform by selecting Apply Now.
- Describe the proposed solution, the problem it addresses, the target beneficiaries, how the ICT solution works and the team members.
- Upload the required supporting documents, review the application and submit before the deadline.
Applicants may also participate in optional information sessions to learn more about the challenge.
Prizes and Benefits
The challenge offers a total national cash prize pool of ₦10 million for the top three teams.
The winning teams will receive:
- First Prize: ₦5,000,000.
- Second Prize: ₦3,000,000.
- Third Prize: ₦2,000,000.
Additional benefits include:
- Four weeks of structured incubation and venture support for all six National Demo Day finalists.
- Support to develop innovative solutions and business models.
- Opportunities to present solutions before regional and national judging panels.
- 100% ownership of intellectual property remains with each participating team.
Programme Structure
The challenge will progress through five stages:
- Online Applications: 2nd November – 15th November 2026.
- Review and Selection: Applications will be assessed against the participation requirements and approved selection criteria.
- Regional Demo Days: Six virtual events involving selected teams from across Nigeria.
- National Demo Day: An in-person event in Abuja where one team from each geopolitical zone will present before a judging panel.
- Incubation: Six national finalists will receive four weeks of structured incubation and venture support.
Application Period: 2nd November – 15th November 2026
Application Deadline: Sunday, 15th November 2026, at 11:59 p.m. WAT.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified innovation teams and early-stage startups should review the challenge sectors and submit their applications through the official application portal.
