About this programme
What to expect
NATIONAL INNOVATION PITCH CHALLENGE 2026 The National Innovation Pitch Challenge, part of the National Drone & Aerospace Innovation Expo (NDAIE) 2026, is a platform for young Nigerian students to bring forward ideas that can solve real problems in the aviation, aerospace, and drone industry. Participants are expected to identify a real challenge, develop a practical and innovative solution, and present their idea to a panel of industry professionals and experts. The competition is designed to give students th… Read more
NATIONAL INNOVATION PITCH CHALLENGE 2026
The National Innovation Pitch Challenge, part of the National Drone & Aerospace Innovation Expo (NDAIE) 2026, is a platform for young Nigerian students to bring forward ideas that can solve real problems in the aviation, aerospace, and drone industry.
Participants are expected to identify a real challenge, develop a practical and innovative solution, and present their idea to a panel of industry professionals and experts. The competition is designed to give students the opportunity to showcase their technical knowledge, creativity, research, and problem-solving skills, while gaining exposure to people working in the industry.
Competition Categories:
Materials Advancement & Innovative Manufacturing
Autonomous Systems & Smart Avionics
Infrastructure, Safety & Operational Efficiency
Flight Planning & Air Traffic Management
Innovative Propulsion Systems & Energy
Eligibility & Entry:
🇳🇬 Open to Nigerian students aged 16–30
Teams of 2–5 members
300-word project summary
Pitch deck of maximum 10 slides
Application Deadline: 26 September 2026
NDAIE 2026: 27–28 November 2026, Lagos, Nigeria
Bring a real problem. Pitch a solution that can move flight forward.
Competition process
| Stage | Who progresses | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Application | All valid entries | Team leads submit their entry and pitch deck. |
| Qualification | Qualified projects | Eligible entries are reviewed. |
| Quarter-finals | 40% of qualified projects | Selected teams submit a video demonstration or prototype walk-through. |
| Semi-finals | 10 teams / projects | Selected teams make a virtual presentation to the judging panel. |
| Finals | Top 5 teams / projects | Finalists present before judges at the Expo. |