NANSInnovate 2026 is open to Nigerian students with existing businesses or viable business ideas. Applications opened on August 10, 2026, with 20 finalists set to compete for cash prizes worth millions of naira.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) opened applications for the 2026 edition of NANSInnovate on August 10, 2026.
The programme is available to students in recognised universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across Nigeria. Students can enter with an existing business or a viable business idea.
NANS National President Akinteye Babatunde said: “NANSInnovate 2026 is our response to that challenge.”
NANSInnovate 2026 Eligibility and Business Categories
Applicants must be Nigerian students enrolled in a recognised university, polytechnic or college of education.
The programme accepts applications under four business categories:
- Production and manufacturing
- Trading and merchandise
- Services
- Agriculture
Students can apply from any state in Nigeria.
NANSInnovate 2026 Requirements
Applicants need a valid student identity card and a business proposal.
The student ID must be uploaded as a JPG, PNG or PDF file. The business proposal must be submitted as a Microsoft Word .docx document.
Students who have Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) or Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) certificates can include them, although both certificates are optional.
The proposal must meet these specifications:
| Requirement | Specification |
| File format | Microsoft Word .docx |
| Maximum length | 10 pages |
| Font | Times New Roman |
| Font size | 12 |
| Line spacing | Single |
| Maximum file size | 5MB |
How to Apply for NANSInnovate 2026
Students can submit their applications through grants.nanshq.org.
The application requires personal information, school details and information about the business or business idea.
Applicants must identify their business category and state whether they are applying with an existing business or a new idea.
Each applicant must also submit a 100-word pitch describing the business.
After submission, applicants receive a unique application code for tracking their applications.
NANSInnovate 2026 Funding and Pitch Competition
NANSInnovate will select 20 finalists for a national pitch competition.
The finalists will compete for cash prizes worth millions of naira.
Akinteye Babatunde said: “The top 20 student entrepreneurs will go home with cash prizes worth millions of naira.”
Participants will also receive access to mentorship, networking and entrepreneurship activities.
NANSInnovate 2026 Deadline
NANS announced the opening of applications on August 10, 2026.
The reports announcing the programme did not state a closing date. Applicants should check the NANSInnovate portal for the latest deadline before submitting their applications.
FAQs: NANSInnovate 2026
Can students apply with a business idea?
Yes. Applicants do not need to operate an existing business to enter the programme.
Are CAC and SMEDAN certificates compulsory?
No. Both certificates are optional.
What is the maximum length of the business proposal?
The proposal must not exceed 10 pages.
What file format should applicants use?
The proposal must be submitted as a Microsoft Word .docx file.
How many finalists will compete?
NANSInnovate will select 20 finalists for the national pitch competition.
Is there an application fee?
No application or registration fee is required.
Where can students apply?
Applications are submitted through grants.nanshq.org.
