By Crystal Ugoeze
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched the 2025/2026 edition of the Nigerian Content Research, Innovation and Technology Challenge, inviting individuals, research institutions, academics, oil and gas industry suppliers, and members of the public with innovative research ideas to submit proposals.
The initiative, which commenced in December 2025, aims to identify and nurture homegrown technologies capable of addressing critical challenges in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and its linked sectors. Successful applicants will be admitted into the NCDMB Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre (TIIC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Eligible proposals must align with the Board’s approved thematic areas and priority industry challenges. These include Geological and Geophysical Studies, Local Materials Substitution Studies, Technology Development Studies, Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Studies, Engineering Studies, and Renewable Energy.
Under Geological and Geophysical Studies, submissions are expected to focus on solutions for exploration activities, big data applications, and real-time logging data processing. Proposals in Local Materials Substitution Studies should address sustainable materials for environmental remediation, materials for cryogenic technology in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and refinery operations, and locally sourced materials for ultra-high temperature and pressure cementing.
For Technology Development Studies, the Board is seeking innovations in denationalisation technology, the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) to exploration and production, and condensate refining technology. HSE-focused proposals should cover carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, depollution and produced water management systems, as well as hydrogen production techniques that enhance carbon dioxide capture.
In the Engineering Studies category, priority areas include technologies for enhanced oil recovery, refinery unit efficiency improvement, laboratory analytical equipment for experiments and materials testing, drilling technologies, instrumentation, and control systems. Renewable Energy proposals are expected in areas such as solar and wind energy solutions, as well as energy storage systems including battery technologies, hydrogen storage, thermal storage, and molten salts.
Submitted proposals must not exceed 1,500 words and are required to follow a specified format, including company or institution details, thematic area, title and description of the innovation, objectives, team structure, funding model and budget, marketing plan, and risk analysis.
At the first stage of the competition, 30 proposals will be shortlisted, with selected teams assigned mentors to support the development of demos and presentations. The number will be reduced to 10 in the second stage and finally to five at the final pitch session, where the winners will emerge.
According to the Board, shortlisted innovators will present their business pitches and demonstrations to corporate venture capitalists, with the aim of attracting investment, driving innovation, and expanding market reach for emerging businesses.
Prizes will be awarded to the top five winners in the form of cash rewards, mentorship opportunities, and media exposure. In addition, the top 10 participants will be onboarded into the TIIC at the Nigerian Content Tower for further guidance and support toward commercialisation of their innovations.