Third Edition Of National Automation Prize Announced, Over ₦50m To Be Won

…..Expanded national competition offers a ₦52.5 million prize package and calls on Nigerian innovators at home and abroad to build practical automation, AI, robotics and industrial technology solutions.

Advanxis Technologies & Process Automation Ltd. has announced the Third Edition of the National Automation Prize (NAP) 2026, an expanded national engineering and technology competition created to identify, develop and showcase practical Nigerian innovations in automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, smart manufacturing and industrial technology.

Building on the first and second editions, NAP 2026 introduces both Individual and Institution Categories and a combined prize package valued at ₦52.5 million. The 2026 challenge is anchored on the message: “Build for Nigeria. Automate for Scale. Compete with the World.”

“Nigeria does not lack talented engineers, innovators or entrepreneurs. What we need is a stronger platform that challenges this talent to convert ideas into working machines, automated processes and commercially viable technologies that solve real Nigerian problems. NAP 2026 is about moving beyond talking about innovation to actually building it.”

— Engr. Anthony James, Managing Director, Advanxis Technologies & Process Automation Ltd.

FROM LOCAL FABRICATION TO SMART, COMPETITIVE MANUFACTURING

A major focus of NAP 2026 is the automation and modernisation of Made-in-Nigeria machines and locally fabricated process plants that are currently manual or only partially automated. Nigeria already has growing capability in agricultural processing equipment, water treatment plants, oil and gas process packages, marine equipment, production machinery and other industrial systems.

NAP 2026 challenges innovators to apply PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, smart instrumentation, artificial intelligence, robotics, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), machine vision, remote monitoring and intelligent control to transform local equipment into safer, more productive, reliable and globally competitive systems.

The broader objective is to strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing base, reduce dependence on imported machinery, conserve foreign exchange, develop local supply chains, create skilled employment and support the emergence of Nigerian technology companies capable of serving African and global markets.

EIGHT STRATEGIC INNOVATION TRACKS 1. Smart Automation of Made-in-Nigeria Machines & Process Plants 2. AI & Robotics for Agriculture and Food Security 3. Intelligent Energy & Smart Power 4. Industrial Robotics & Autonomous Systems 5. AI for Oil, Gas & Process Industries 6. Security, Defence & Public Safety Technology 7. Open Engineering Innovation 8. Made-in-Nigeria Affordable Automation & Industrial Machines

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

The Individual Category is open to Nigerian engineers, technologists, programmers, students, researchers, makers, inventors and technology enthusiasts aged 16 years and above, including Nigerians living outside the country.

The Institution Category is open to eligible universities, polytechnics, research institutes and other higher institutions. Each institution will be represented by a three-member team presenting one project.

Applicants do not need a completed prototype at registration. However, shortlisted competitors will be required to develop and present a functional physical prototype at the audition stage. Projects will be assessed on working hardware and functionality, real-world impact, engineering quality, local content, innovation, commercial viability, scalability and technical defense

₦20M ₦10M ₦52.5M TOP INSTITUTION PACKAGE INDIVIDUAL WINNER TOTAL PRIZE PACKAGE

Under the Institution Category, the winner will receive a ₦20 million package comprising ₦10 million cash and a ₦10 million Ultra-Model Batch Process Training/Demonstration Mini-Plant with training. The first runner-up will receive a ₦10 million training and demonstration mini-plant package, while the second runner-up will receive a ₦5 million PLC/HMI Training and Demonstration Skid with practical training. In the Individual Category, the winner will receive ₦10 million cash, while the first and second runners-up will receive ₦5 million and ₦2.5 million respectively.

“Every industrial machine or process that we successfully design, automate and manufacture locally represents an opportunity to reduce imports, conserve foreign exchange, develop local supply chains, create skilled jobs and build new Nigerian technology businesses.”

— Engr. Anthony James, Managing Director

FROM STATE AUDITIONS TO THE NATIONAL GRAND FINALE

Following registration, successful entrants will progress through State Auditions in October, followed by Regional Competitions in November in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. The competition will culminate in the NAP 2026 National Grand Finale in Lagos in December 2026.

Advanxis is also inviting government institutions, private-sector companies, professional engineering and technology bodies, universities, research institutions, investors and other innovation stakeholders to participate through technical collaboration, mentorship, judging, industry challenge definition, prototype support, pilot opportunities, equipment and training support, sponsorship and commercialization partnerships.

“No single organization can industrialize Nigeria. Government, industry, universities, professional institutions, investors and technology companies all have a role to play. The ultimate success of NAP will not simply be measured by prize money, but by how many Nigerian innovations become useful products, operating machines, successful businesses and employers of labour.”