NCDMB Launches Nigerian Content Research, Innovation and Technology Challenge 2025/2026, Promises Awards for Top Innovators

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has officially commenced the Nigerian Content Research, Innovation and Technology Challenge 2025/2026, calling on innovators across Nigeria to submit research-driven solutions capable of addressing critical challenges in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors.

The initiative, which kicked off in December 2025, is open to individual innovators, research institutions, academia, oil and gas service companies, and members of the public with viable technological innovations. Successful applicants will be evaluated and admitted into the NCDMB Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre (TIIC) located in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Focus on Industry-Relevant Innovation

According to the Board, submitted proposals must align with approved thematic areas and priority industry challenges, which include:

• Geological and Geophysical Studies

• Local Materials Substitution Studies

• Technology Development Studies

• Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Studies

• Engineering Studies

• Renewable Energy

For Geological and Geophysical Studies, applicants are expected to propose solutions in areas such as exploration technologies, big data analytics, and real-time logging data processing.

Under Local Materials Substitution Studies, proposals should focus on sustainable materials for environmental remediation, local materials for cryogenic technology in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and refinery operations, as well as ultra-high temperature and pressure cementing materials.

Technology, Safety, and Engineering Innovations Encouraged

For Technology Development Studies, the NCDMB is seeking innovations related to denationalisation technology, application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in exploration and production, and condensate refining technology.

Proposals under Health, Safety and Environmental Studies are expected to address carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies, depollution and produced water management systems, and hydrogen production techniques aimed at improving carbon dioxide capture.

In the area of Engineering Studies, priority will be given to innovations in enhanced oil recovery, refinery unit technologies for improved efficiency, laboratory analytical equipment, drilling technologies, instrumentation, and control systems.

For Renewable Energy, submissions are welcome in solar and wind energy solutions, as well as energy storage technologies including batteries, hydrogen storage, thermal storage, and molten salt systems.

Submission Guidelines and Selection Process

All proposals must not exceed 1,500 words and should be submitted via email to [email protected] within one month of the date of publication.

Each proposal is required to follow this structure:

1. Company or Institution Name

2. Thematic Area

3. Title of Innovation

4. Description of Innovation

5. Objective, Vision, and Mission

6. Team Structure

7. Funding Model and Budget Estimate

8. Marketing Plan

9. Risk Analysis

At the first stage of the competition, 30 top proposals will be shortlisted, and selected teams will be paired with mentors to help them develop compelling demos and presentations.

The competition will then narrow to 10 proposals at the second stage, and finally to five finalists on the final day, when winners will be announced.

Investment Opportunities and Rewards

According to the NCDMB, finalists will pitch their innovations directly to corporate venture capitalists, creating opportunities for investment, market expansion, and accelerated business growth.

The top five winners will receive prizes in the form of cash awards, mentorship opportunities, 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 guidance toward commercialisation.