Nigeria is strengthening its support for homegrown innovation with the launch of Xceler8, a new accelerator programme by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
The three-month virtual programme is designed to help Nigerian innovators move beyond building products to creating commercially viable businesses that can attract investment and scale.
Xceler8 will select 25 innovators from across Nigeria. Each participant can receive up to $25,000 in support, alongside mentorship, product development assistance, business training and access to potential investors.
The programme was unveiled at the NASENI Innovation Hub in Abuja as part of efforts to close the gap between innovation and commercialisation in Nigeria.
Moving innovation from the lab to the market
According to NASENI Executive Vice Chairman Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Nigeria has no shortage of talented engineers and scientists. The bigger challenge is turning their innovations into sustainable businesses.
Xceler8 is therefore focused on founders who have already moved beyond the idea stage and are actively building or selling a product.
Participants will receive support to improve their products, strengthen their business models and prepare for investment. The programme will end with a physical Demo Day in Abuja, where selected startups will pitch to investors, industry partners and the media.
NASENI is targeting several outcomes from the programme, including accelerating all 25 participating startups, creating at least 100 direct and indirect jobs, establishing five strategic partnerships and improving the commercial readiness of the businesses.
Who can apply?
Xceler8 is open to Nigerian innovators working across sectors including:
- Agrotech
- Renewable energy
- Fintech
- Edtech
- Healthtech
- Manufacturing
- Science and engineering
Applicants must be Nigerian citizens aged 15 to 40, living in Nigeria and operating a registered Nigerian company.
However, the programme is not designed for businesses that are still at the idea stage.
Applicants must have a functional prototype or commercially available product and must have completed at least five paid transactions. This requirement means NASENI is looking for founders who can demonstrate actual market activity and customer demand.
Applications are now open
Applications opened on August 31, 2026, and will close on September 30, 2026.
For eligible founders, Xceler8 offers more than funding. The combination of capital, mentorship, product support and investor access could help Nigerian innovators turn promising products into businesses capable of creating jobs and attracting further investment.
The bigger opportunity is clear: Nigeria has the innovators. The next challenge is helping more of them build businesses that can scale.
