NCDMB launches Nigerian content research, innovation and technology challenge
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched the 2025/2026 edition of the Nigerian Content Research, Innovation and Technology Challenge, aimed at driving homegrown technological solutions for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors.
In a statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate Communications, Obinna Ezeobi, PhD, and dated December 30, 2025, the Board announced that the initiative officially commenced in December with a call for submissions from individuals, research institutions, academia, oil and gas service companies, and members of the public with viable research-based innovations.
The statement reads:“The competition seeks to identify and develop new technologies that can address specific challenges in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors, while promoting Nigerian content, innovation and commercialisation of research outputs.
“Interested innovators are invited to submit proposals aligned with approved thematic areas and priority industry challenges, including Geological and Geophysical Studies, Local Materials Substitution Studies, Technology Development Studies, Health, Safety and Environmental Studies, Engineering Studies, and Renewable Energy.
“Proposals should not exceed 1,500 words and must be submitted via info@tiic.com.ng not later than one month from the date of publication.”
“Outstanding innovators will be given opportunities to pitch their ideas to corporate venture capitalists, attract investment, and expand their market reach, while receiving support to grow their businesses.”
According to the NCDMB, proposals under Geological and Geophysical Studies are expected to focus on solutions for exploration challenges, big data analytics and real-time logging data processing, while Local Materials Substitution Studies should address sustainable materials for environmental remediation, cryogenic technology for LNG and refinery applications, and ultra-high temperature pressure cementing.
For Technology Development Studies, the Board is seeking innovations in denationalisation technology, Internet of Things applications in exploration and production, and condensate refining technology.
Proposals in Health, Safety and Environmental Studies are expected to address carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies, depollution and produced water management systems, as well as hydrogen production techniques to enhance carbon dioxide capture.
The Engineering Studies category targets solutions for enhanced oil recovery, refinery unit efficiency improvement, laboratory analytical equipment for testing and experimentation, as well as drilling technology, instrumentation and control systems.
Under Renewable Energy, the NCDMB said it welcomes proposals in solar and wind energy technologies, as well as energy storage systems, including battery technologies, hydrogen storage, thermal storage and molten salt systems.
The Board explained that submissions must follow a prescribed format, including company or institution name, thematic area, title and description of innovation, objectives, team structure, funding model, marketing plan and risk analysis.
At the first stage of the competition, 30 top proposals will be selected and assigned mentors to support the development of demos and presentations.
This will be narrowed to 10 proposals at the second stage, before a final selection of five winners emerges on the last day of the challenge.
NCDMB added that prizes will be awarded to the top five winners in the form of cash rewards, mentorship opportunities and media exposure, while the top 10 participants will be admitted into the Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre (TIIC) at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, for further guidance towards commercialisation.