2026 NITDA National AI Innovation Challenge

The 2026 National AI Innovation Challenge by NITDA (through NCAIR) invites Nigerian teams to develop developer tools, voice-first applications, or sector-specific AI solutions using N-ATLAS, Nigeria’s open-source multilingual large language model. The challenge aims to deepen AI adoption by integrating N-ATLAS into practical, real-world applications across sectors like health, agriculture, and education. Teams must submit working solutions directly integrated with N-ATLAS, with clear documentation and user validation. The program supports two participation tracks: Academia & Research (for university teams) and Innovation & Enterprise (for startups and enterprises).

What it offers

• Sovereign AI infrastructure development through N-ATLAS, a multilingual LLM supporting Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Nigerian-accented English with Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR).
• Three problem-solving tracks:
  • Developer Infrastructure: Build tools to simplify N-ATLAS integration (e.g., SDKs, documentation, fine-tuning kits).
  • Voice-First Access: Create accessible voice-driven services (e.g., WhatsApp voice notes, USSD apps) for Nigerian languages.
  • Sectoral Fine-Tuning: Adapt N-ATLAS for high-impact sectors (e.g., healthcare, agriculture, legal services).
• National and international recognition for Nigerian AI talent, fostering an innovation ecosystem.

Who can apply

• Nigerian citizens or registered Nigerian entities (e.g., universities, startups, research labs).
• Academia & Research track: Teams with at least one enrolled student or postgraduate researcher and a faculty supervisor; institutional endorsement from a Nigerian university.
• Innovation & Enterprise track: Registered companies (with CAC certificate) or individuals aged 18+, with at least 50% team members based in Nigeria for diaspora teams.
• No prior awards in the same competition allowed; submissions must be original and functional.

What you'll do

• Build a working technical artefact (e.g., API, dataset, model, or application) directly integrated with N-ATLAS.
• Demonstrate real-world validation (e.g., user testing, live benchmarks, or deployed systems).
• Provide clear documentation (technical, video demonstration, team profiles).
• Align with one of three problem statements, ensuring N-ATLAS is the core model used.

How to apply

1. Form a team of 2–5 members (academic or enterprise track).
2. Select a problem statement (Developer Infrastructure, Voice-First Access, or Sectoral Fine-Tuning).
3. Develop a functional solution integrated with N-ATLAS, including:
   • A working artefact (repository, deployed app, or model).
   • N-ATLAS integration evidence (e.g., API documentation).
   • Real-world validation (user testing, data, or benchmarks).
   • Technical documentation (architecture, setup, usage).
   • A 3–5 minute video showcasing the solution.
   • Team profiles (names, affiliations, roles).
   • Institutional endorsement (for Academia & Research) or CAC certificate (for Innovation & Enterprise).
4. Submit all materials via the official portal by 12 October 2026.

Good to know

• Language requirement: All submissions must be in English.
• No concept-only proposals—only working builds are accepted.
• N-ATLAS must be the primary model; wrapping other models is not permitted.
• Diaspora teams must have at least 50% Nigerian-based members.
• Deadline: 12 October 2026 (strict).

The challenge is open for applications starting 22 September 2026.