The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has opened applications for its Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (NIMASA-BEAP), inviting innovators to develop solutions for Nigeria’s maritime and ocean-based economy. Applications are scheduled to close on 13 November 2026, ahead of a national innovation hackathon on 8–10 December. Successful participants may progress to a 12-week accelerator in the first quarter of 2027.
What Does the Programme Offer?
NIMASA-BEAP is designed to help innovators develop and advance solutions addressing challenges across the maritime and blue economy sectors.
The programme includes:
- National innovation hackathon: A three-day event scheduled for 8–10 December 2026.
- 12-week accelerator: Structured venture-development support planned for the first quarter of 2027.
- Mentorship and industry connections: The programme aims to connect innovators with maritime-sector stakeholders, investors and potential partners.
- National Demo Day: Scheduled for the second quarter of 2027, giving participating ventures an opportunity to present their solutions to investors and industry representatives.
These activities are intended to help promising ideas progress towards viable businesses. The announcement does not guarantee funding, investment or a commercial contract for every participant.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is intended for Nigerian innovators developing solutions relevant to the maritime and blue economy.
The official portal lists the following eligibility conditions:
- A Nigerian-registered startup or a startup in the process of registration.
- A solution operating within the maritime or blue economy.
- At least one Nigerian founder or co-founder.
- A team of at least two members.
- A startup at the idea, minimum viable product (MVP), early-revenue or growth stage.
- Willingness to participate in the full programme.
- Upto 18 years and above
What Types of Ideas Are Eligible?
The programme targets solutions across Nigeria’s maritime and ocean-economy value chain. The official portal identifies eight broad subsectors, including:
- Shipping and logistics
- Fishing and aquaculture
- Offshore energy
- Marine tourism
- Port operations
- Shipbuilding and repair
- Marine biotechnology
- Coastal and environmental solutions
Potential projects could address challenges such as port digitization, cargo tracking, sustainable fisheries, marine waste or coastal protection. Applicants should select the area that best fits their solution and explain the specific problem it addresses.
How Will Applications Be Assessed?
NIMASA’s published timeline includes an evaluation and due-diligence period from 16 November to 2 December 2026. The programme’s selection process is expected to identify ventures that can benefit from the hackathon and subsequent accelerator.
The portal asks applicants to describe their business, target market, innovation, expected impact and funding history. Applicants should prepare to explain:
- The problem their solution addresses and who experiences it.
- How the proposed product or service works.
- What makes the solution useful or different.
- Its potential to grow into a viable business.
- The team’s capacity to develop and deliver it.
The available official announcement does not provide a complete, weighted scoring rubric. Applicants should consult the portal and programme terms for the latest assessment requirements.
What Happens After You Apply?
The published programme schedule sets out these key dates:
- 13 November 2026: Application deadline.
- 16 November–2 December 2026: Evaluation and due diligence.
- 8–10 December 2026: National Innovation Hackathon.
- First quarter of 2027: 12-week accelerator programme.
- Second quarter of 2027: National Demo Day.
Progression into the accelerator is intended for successful participants; submitting an application does not guarantee selection or funding. Applicants should monitor the official portal for updates about selection outcomes and participation requirements.
How to Apply
Applications are free and should be submitted through the official NIMASA-BEAP portal before 13 November 2026.
Applicants should be ready to provide information about their team, startup stage, chosen blue-economy subsector, proposed solution, target market and expected impact. The portal also lists a pitch deck and founder identification among its document requirements; a Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificate is listed as optional.
Apply here: NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme
For innovators working on maritime, environmental or ocean-related challenges, the programme offers a structured route to develop and present solutions.
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