NBTI Showcases 298 Nigerian Innovators to Investors in London

The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has showcased 298 Nigerian innovators from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to international investors and potential business partners in London, United Kingdom, as part of efforts to commercialise local technologies and expand access to global markets.

The innovators participated in the 2026 NextGen Innovation Challenge international grand finale, which brought together entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, diplomatic representatives and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for investment, technology development and international collaboration.

According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Friday, the event was designed to connect Nigerian innovators with potential investors and business partners who could help turn their ideas into commercially viable products and enterprises.

Speaking at the event, NBTI Director-General Dr Kareem Raji said innovation, entrepreneurship and technology commercialisation were essential to Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.

He argued that the country’s future prosperity could not depend solely on government spending or natural resources, stressing the need for Nigerians to develop technologies, manufacture products, establish businesses and compete in international markets.

“A one-trillion-dollar economy cannot be built by government alone. It must be built by Nigerians who innovate, Nigerians who manufacture, Nigerians who invest, Nigerians who create intellectual property, Nigerians who build enterprises, and Nigerians who compete successfully in the global markets,” Raji said.

The NBTI chief explained that the NextGen Innovation Challenge was created to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and commercial opportunities by linking entrepreneurs with investors, business partners and international markets.

He disclosed that participation had increased from 105 Nigerian innovators at the previous edition to 298 in 2026, reflecting the programme’s expanded reach.

According to Raji, the initiative aims to move indigenous research and innovation beyond prototypes towards marketable products, sustainable businesses and job creation.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom, the British High Commission and strategic partner UKALD to the programme.

Raji further commended NBTI staff and managers of technology incubation centres across Nigeria for identifying, mentoring and supporting innovators.

He said the programme’s long-term impact should be measured by tangible economic outcomes rather than participation figures alone.

“The ultimate measure of the programme would be the businesses established, technologies commercialised, investments secured, jobs created and lives improved,” he said.

The showcase represents an effort to expose Nigerian innovators to international business networks and investment opportunities. However, the number of deals secured, investments attracted and businesses launched as a result of the event was not disclosed in the statement.

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