Next Gen Fellowship 2026 Opens Applications for 120 Young Innovators in Southeast Nigeria

Innovation Growth Hub (IG Hub) is inviting applications from young innovators across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States for the Next Gen Fellowship 2026, a programme designed to help participants strengthen and implement technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges.

The fellowship will select 120 young people aged 21–35 working on innovative projects connected to one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will run for three months, beginning with a one-week physical bootcamp from 11–17 October 2026, followed by three months of virtual learning, mentorship and project development.

Applications close on 6 October 2026.

Who Can Apply for the Next Gen Fellowship?

The opportunity is open to young people between 21 and 35 years old who are developing technology-based solutions to problems within their communities or other sectors.

Applicants must be working on an innovative idea, project or product that contributes to one or more SDGs. However, they do not need to have a fully developed product, registered company or established startup before applying.

The fellowship accepts solutions at different stages of development, including:

• Idea or concept stage: Applicants who have identified a problem and developed an innovative technology-based solution they want to pursue.
• Research and prototype stage: Projects undergoing research, design or the development of an initial working model.
• Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage: Solutions with basic functional features that are being tested or improved.
• Testing and pilot stage: Projects already being tested with potential users or within communities.
• Existing solutions: Products or projects that require further development, improvement or expansion.

Eligible projects can cover several areas, including education, healthcare, agriculture, financial inclusion, climate action, accessibility, civic engagement, employment, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, data and digital platforms.

Applicants do not necessarily have to be software developers or advanced technology experts. However, their solutions must have a clear technology component, and they should understand the problem they are addressing, their proposed approach and the people their solutions are intended to serve.

How Long Will the Fellowship Last?

The Next Gen Fellowship will run for three months, combining physical and virtual activities to give participants opportunities to learn, develop and implement their solutions.

The programme will begin with a one-week physical bootcamp scheduled for 11–17 October 2026. During this period, selected fellows will participate in intensive learning sessions, interact with mentors, connect with other innovators and begin strengthening their projects.

After the physical bootcamp, participants will continue with three months of virtual engagement, which will involve continued learning, mentorship and practical project development. The programme will also provide opportunities for fellows to engage with communities and relevant institutions, receive feedback on their solutions and work towards putting their ideas into practice.

It will eventually conclude with another physical gathering where participants will have the opportunity to present and showcase their projects.

What Will Selected Fellows Gain?

Beyond the learning sessions, the fellowship is designed to help participants make practical progress on the solutions they are developing.

Through its activities, fellows will have opportunities to gain:

• Knowledge and skills: A stronger understanding of technology, innovation, sustainable development and impact-driven problem-solving.
• Project development support: Practical guidance to strengthen, test and improve their solutions.
• Mentorship: Access to experienced individuals who can provide feedback and direction.
• Professional networks: Opportunities to connect with other innovators, organizations and relevant stakeholders.
• Implementation experience: Opportunities to engage with communities and explore how their solutions can address real-world problems.
• Visibility: A platform to communicate their work and showcase their projects.

The programme’s approach follows a practical development journey in which participants are expected to learn, build, test, improve and implement their solutions rather than simply attend training sessions.

How Will the 120 Fellows Be Selected?

The fellowship plans to select 120 participants from the five participating South-East states.

Applications will be reviewed based on the applicant’s profile, the problem their solution addresses, the innovation involved, its connection to the SDGs and their potential to participate meaningfully in the programme.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews to provide further information about themselves and the projects they are developing. Successful candidates will subsequently receive information about participation and onboarding.

Application Deadline and Next Steps

Young innovators interested in participating should submit their applications before 6 October 2026. With the physical bootcamp scheduled to begin on 11 October, applicants should take note of the short interval between the application deadline and the commencement of the programme.

The fellowship offers young people across the five South-East states an opportunity to develop their technology-driven ideas with structured learning, mentorship and practical engagement, regardless of whether their solutions are still at the concept stage or already being tested.

By bringing together 120 innovators working across different sectors, the programme also seeks to build a community of young people using technology to respond to challenges and contribute to sustainable development in their communities.

Interested persons can apply using the link: https://www.nextgenfellowship.ng/apply