The in December 2025 commenced the Nigerian Content Research, Innovation and Technology Challenge 2025/2026 with a call for proposals from individuals, research institutions, academia, oil and gas industry suppliers, and members of the public with research innovations.
The Board said the initiative is aimed at identifying and developing new technologies that can solve specific challenges within the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors, while also supporting local innovation and capacity development.
According to the NCDMB, submitted proposals must align with approved thematic areas and priority industry challenges. These include Geological and Geophysical Studies, Local Materials Substitution Studies, Technology Development Studies, Health, Safety and Environmental Studies, Engineering Studies, and Renewable Energy.
For Geological and Geophysical Studies, the Board stated that proposals should focus on solutions related to exploration, big data management, and real time logging data processing. Under Local Materials Substitution Studies, applicants are expected to present ideas on sustainable materials for environmental remediation, materials for cryogenic technology used in liquefied natural gas LNG and refinery operations, as well as local materials suitable for ultra high temperature pressure cementing.
The NCDMB further explained that Technology Development Studies should cover innovations in denationalisation technology, application of Internet of Things to exploration and production activities, and condensate refining technology. Proposals under HSE Studies are expected to address carbon capture utilisation and storage technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, depollution and produced water management systems, and hydrogen production techniques that enhance carbon dioxide capture.
In the area of Engineering Studies, proposals are required for technology solutions focused on enhanced oil recovery, refinery unit technologies to improve efficiency, laboratory analytical equipment for experiments and materials testing, and drilling technology, instrumentation, and control systems.
For Renewable Energy, the Board said proposals are expected in solar energy technologies, wind energy solutions, and energy storage systems such as battery technologies, hydrogen storage, thermal storage, and molten salts.
The Board stated that proposals should not exceed 1,500 words and must be submitted via email to info@tiic.com.ng not later than one month from the date of publication. It added that submissions should follow a specific format covering company or institution name, thematic area, title and description of innovation, objectives, vision and mission, team structure, funding model and budget estimate, marketing plan, and risk analysis.
At the first stage of the competition, the top 30 proposals will be selected and assigned mentors to guide the teams in developing demos and presentations. The number will be reduced to 10 at the second stage and further to five finalists on the final day.
According to the Board, “the innovators will present their business pitches/demos to corporate venture capitalists to invest, drive innovation, and expand market reach, while helping emerging business grow.”
It added that prizes will be awarded to the top five winners in the form of cash, mentorship, and media coverage, while the top 10 participants will be onboarded into the TIIC at the Nigerian Content Tower for further guidance toward commercialisation.
