NBTI Showcases 298 Nigerian Innovators to Global Investors in London

The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has showcased 298 Nigerian innovators from the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to international investors and potential business partners in London, United Kingdom.

The innovators participated in the 2026 NextGen Innovation Challenge International Grand Finale and Global Innovation Showcase held on Friday, October 9, at the Platinum Suite, ExCeL Exhibition Centre, London.

The initiative aims to connect Nigerian entrepreneurs with investors, international markets and strategic partners capable of helping them transform locally developed ideas into commercially successful businesses.

Speaking at the event, NBTI Director-General, Dr Kazeem Kolawole Raji, said innovation, entrepreneurship and technology commercialisation were essential to Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.

He argued that sustainable economic growth could not depend solely on government spending or natural resources, stressing the need for Nigerians to develop technologies, manufacture products, protect intellectual property and establish competitive businesses.

Raji disclosed that participation in the challenge had increased from 105 innovators at the previous edition to 298 this year.

He said the programme was designed to bridge the gap between innovation and commercial opportunities by helping entrepreneurs move from prototypes to market-ready products, viable enterprises and job creation.

The NBTI chief urged international investors, financial institutions, technology companies, universities and business accelerators to explore investment opportunities among the participating innovators.

He identified potential areas of collaboration to include investment, technology licensing, manufacturing partnerships, joint ventures, research cooperation, distribution agreements and access to overseas markets.

In a keynote address delivered on behalf of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, Ambassador Abu Obey Eche described London as an important platform for connecting Nigerian innovators with global finance, technology and business networks.

He also encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to support local entrepreneurs through investment, mentorship, professional expertise and introductions to international markets.

Investor Erin Grover expressed interest in some of the innovations presented, particularly those developed by women entrepreneurs. She said she hoped to invest in at least one of the businesses following the showcase.

The event received support from government institutions and strategic partners, including UKALD, as organisers sought to strengthen international cooperation around Nigerian innovation.

Raji said the programme’s long-term success would be measured by the investments secured, technologies commercialised, businesses established and jobs created.

He urged participants to use the international exposure to build sustainable enterprises and ensure Nigerian innovations compete successfully in global markets.