Board invites researchers, innovators and startups to submit solutions targeting key industry gaps
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has unveiled the Nigerian Content Research, Innovation and Technology Challenge 2025/2026, inviting innovators, research institutions, academics, oil and gas service companies and members of the public to submit technology-based solutions to critical industry challenges.
The initiative, which kicked off in December 2025, is designed to discover, develop and commercialise locally generated innovations within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and its supporting industries. Successful applicants will be admitted into the NCDMB Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre (TIIC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where they will receive structured support.
According to the Board, submitted proposals must address approved thematic areas and priority needs of the industry. These include Geological and Geophysical Studies, Local Materials Substitution, Technology Development, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Engineering Studies, and Renewable Energy.
In the area of geological and geophysical studies, NCDMB said it is seeking solutions focused on exploration technologies, big data analytics and real-time logging data processing. Proposals under local materials substitution are expected to tackle sustainable materials for environmental remediation, cryogenic technologies for liquefied natural gas (LNG), refining applications and ultra-high temperature cementing.
For technology development, the Board is encouraging innovations in digitalisation, Internet of Things (IoT) applications for exploration and production, as well as condensate refining technologies.
HSE-related proposals should focus on carbon capture, utilisation and storage, produced water management, depollution technologies and hydrogen production. Engineering-focused entries are expected to address areas such as enhanced oil recovery, refinery efficiency, laboratory analytical equipment, drilling technologies, and instrumentation and control systems.
In addition, renewable energy proposals are expected to cover solar and wind technologies, alongside energy storage solutions, including battery systems, hydrogen storage and thermal energy storage.
The NCDMB said submitted proposals must not exceed 1,500 words and should be received within one month of publication. From all entries, 30 proposals will be shortlisted for mentorship in the first phase, reduced to 10 in the second stage, and finally five finalists selected after a pitch session.
The top five winners will receive cash prizes, mentorship and media exposure, while the top 10 participants will be onboarded into the TIIC for further technical and commercial support aimed at moving their innovations to market.
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