Heifer Nigeria unveils $40,000 youth innovation challenge for 2026

Nigeria has announced the official launch of the 2026 Agriculture, Youth, and Technology (AYuTe) Nigeria Challenge, which opens applications for young agritech innovators to showcase solutions that will bridge the gap for millions of smallholder farmers.

Building on the regional AYuTe Africa Challenge, which awards more than US$1 million annually to leading agritech innovators across Africa, the national competitions, including AYuTe Nigeria, award significant prizes up to $40,000 within each country.

The event which held in Abuja on Thursday, convened young innovators, policymakers, and development partners with the theme “Catalyzing Youth-Led Innovation to Transform Nigeria’s Food Systems.”

Country Director, Heifer Nigeria, Dr. Lekan Tobe said the 2026 challenge focuses on identifying innovations that are not only technically feasible but also climate smart, ensuring they deliver tangible value to the almost 40 million smallholder farmers who drive Nigeria’s agri-economy.

“Our food systems require more than just incremental change; they require a transformative force. Through AYuTe, we are combining the power of African youth with the many possibilities of emerging technologies. We are not just awarding grants; we are nurturing an innovation pipeline that secures a sustainable and dynamic future for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“This year’s challenge goes beyond competition, serving as a launchpad for early-stage ag-tech startups. Heifer will provide winners with catalytic funding totaling $40,000, with the grand prize winner receiving $20,000, the first runner-up $12,000, and the second runner-up $8,000. In addition to the cash prizes, Heifer will provide post-award business advisory support to translate their ideas into business expansion strategies,” Tobe said.

Also speaking, communications manager at Heifer International, Chuba Ezeigwe said, “AYuTe is about seeing the big picture, by amplifying youth-led innovations to drive growth in the agric value chain.”

Mustapha Abokede, Venture Lead at Wennovation Hub, the technical partner of the project, emphasized that the partnership focuses on identifying farmer-centric technology that can survive the rigors of the marketplace.

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