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Young Innovators of Nigeria (YIN) has announced a fresh call for innovators across Nigeria’s North-West region to participate in the Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) Initiative, a national innovation programme aimed at identifying and scaling commercially viable ideas and products.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, led by Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST).
ECoN 2026 is designed as a platform to help innovators transform promising inventions into market-ready solutions by providing visibility, funding pathways, and access to commercialisation support systems.
About the ECoN Initiative
The Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) Initiative is part of a broader national push to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem by connecting inventors and entrepreneurs with investors, policymakers, and commercial partners.
For the North-West zone, the programme will cover innovators from:
- Kano State
- Kaduna State
- Katsina State
- Kebbi State
- Jigawa State
- Sokoto State
- Zamfara State
This regional edition will be hosted in Kano State from 23rd to 25th April 2026.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to a broad range of innovation actors, including:
- Individual innovators and inventors
- Startups and MSMEs with market-ready solutions
- Researchers and incubation teams
- Students with viable prototypes
Whether applicants are building in agriculture, health technology, renewable energy, education, manufacturing, or digital services, the programme seeks ideas with strong commercial potential and practical relevance.
Why Innovators Should Participate
Selected participants will benefit from several opportunities designed to move their innovations beyond concept stage into scalable ventures.
These include:
Access to Funding and Commercialisation Opportunities
Participants will gain exposure to funding channels and commercial partnerships that can help bring their innovations into the market.
National Showcase Platform
Innovators will present their products and solutions before a national audience that includes government stakeholders, investors, and innovation ecosystem leaders.
Investor and Stakeholder Connections
The programme includes investor matchmaking sessions, allowing innovators to engage directly with potential funders and strategic partners.
Recognition and Awards
Outstanding innovators will receive special recognition, including awards presented under the national innovation recognition framework supported by the Office of the First Lady.
Programme Highlights
The North-West ECoN event will feature:
- Innovation Exhibitions supported by SMEDAN
- Investor Matchmaking sessions in partnership with KanInvest
- Technical and commercialisation advisory support
- Regional networking opportunities with ecosystem players
Host State and Event Date
- Host State: Kano State
- Event Date: 23rd – 25th April 2026
How to Apply
Interested applicants can complete their registration through the official application form here.
Innovators in the North-West region are encouraged to submit their applications early, as the initiative is expected to attract strong participation from across the zone.
The ECoN programme represents another significant opportunity for Nigerian innovators to gain national exposure and secure the partnerships needed to turn ideas into enterprises.
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