The SFDP Health Innovation Challenge 2026 has officially opened for applications, offering $300 mini-grants to each of the top three teams with innovative, low-cost public health solutions focused on real health challenges in Nigeria. The initiative is organised by the and is targeted at Nigerian students and young professionals interested in public health, disease prevention, and community-driven health innovation.
According to SFDP, the challenge is designed to support ideas that can be practically implemented within local communities. The organisation stated that the programme is meant for early-career changemakers who want to gain funding, hands-on implementation experience, and national visibility in the public health and healthcare innovation space.
SFDP is a registered non-profit organisation focused on preventing public health crises through technology, education, and grassroots innovation. The Health Innovation Challenge is structured to encourage small-scale projects that use affordable and scalable approaches, rather than theory-heavy proposals. The organisers explained that they are looking for actionable ideas that directly address pressing public health problems facing Nigerian communities.
Selected teams under the SFDP Health Innovation Challenge 2026 will receive several benefits. Each of the top three teams will be awarded $300 in project funding. Beneficiaries will also have the opportunity to implement a real public health project, gain national visibility for their innovation, and acquire practical experience in managing grant-funded initiatives. SFDP noted that participation in the programme can also help strengthen CVs for careers in public health, global health, healthcare innovation, and non-governmental organisations.
To be eligible for the challenge, applicants must meet specific criteria. Teams must consist of three to five members, and all applicants must be students or young professionals based in Nigeria. Every team member must be below 30 years of age, while at least one person in each team must be studying or working in a health-related field. Project ideas are expected to be suitable for small-scale and low-cost implementation, with solutions that address real public health challenges within the country.
The opportunity is considered suitable for a wide range of applicants. These include public health students, medical, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health students, health-tech innovators, NGO volunteers, and community health advocates. Young professionals working in healthcare, data, or social impact are also encouraged to apply, as well as interdisciplinary teams that combine health and technology skills.
SFDP announced that applications opened on December 28, 2025, and will close on January 18, 2026. The organisers warned that late submissions will not be considered and advised interested teams to apply early to avoid missing the deadline.
Applications must be submitted through the official SFDP Health Innovation Challenge application portal. SFDP stated that all entries will be assessed based on the relevance of the health problem being addressed, the practicality and affordability of the proposed solution, and its potential impact on Nigerian communities. Other selection factors include team composition, health-related expertise, and the feasibility of implementing the project within a short timeframe.
In response to frequently asked questions, SFDP clarified that “this is a mini-grant, not a traditional scholarship,” adding that the funding is meant to support project implementation rather than tuition fees. The organisation also confirmed that undergraduate students are eligible to apply, provided they meet the age and team requirements. On team composition, SFDP explained that “only at least one team member must be in a health-focused degree or career,” noting that multidisciplinary teams are encouraged.
SFDP further stated that NYSC members below 30 years old and based in Nigeria are eligible to apply. Addressing funding structure, the organisation said, “the $300 grant is awarded per team, not per individual.” It also clarified that secondary school students are not eligible and that the opportunity is strictly open to applicants based in Nigeria. For interested applicants, SFDP advised that applications should be submitted through the official application page linked on its platform.
Read Also: Apply: SFDP Health Innovation Challenge 2026 $300 Grant
