Ilorin is set to become Nigeria’s next big innovation hub as it hosts the Ilorin Innovation Challenge & Hackathon 2025, a national tech competition aimed at unearthing and accelerating homegrown solutions to pressing social and economic challenges.
The event, organized in collaboration with tech hubs, universities, and industry partners, will bring together developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers from across the country. Participants will compete to create impact-driven innovations in areas such as agritech, fintech, healthtech, renewable energy, and AI-powered public services.
Speaking ahead of the launch, the organizing committee said the challenge is designed to bridge the gap between ideas and market-ready products, offering winners seed funding, mentorship, and direct links to investors.
“The Ilorin Innovation Challenge isn’t just a competition, it’s a launchpad for Nigeria’s next generation of innovators,” said program director Aisha Abdulraheem. “We’re creating an environment where brilliant minds can collaborate, experiment, and scale their solutions.”
The hackathon will also feature training workshops, networking sessions, and keynote addresses from leading tech entrepreneurs and policymakers. Finalists will present their prototypes to a panel of judges, with cash prizes and incubation opportunities for the most promising projects.
By spotlighting Ilorin as a centre for technological creativity, the challenge aims to inspire young Nigerians to solve problems with code, design, and entrepreneurial thinking, ultimately contributing to the nation’s digital economy growth.
Registration for the event opens this week, with the grand finale scheduled for later this year.
Applications are now open, with the deadline for submissions set for August 18, 2025.
To apply or for more information, visit the website.
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