Build Technology Solutions That Matter
Our mentorship-led innovation challenge empowers young people in Northern Nigeria to identify problems in their communities and build technology solutions to solve them.
What is the STEMify Africa Innovation Challenge?
The STEMify Africa Innovation Challenge is a Northern Nigeria youth innovation challenge where teams of young people (ages 8-18) work together to identify a problem in their community and create a technology solution to help solve it. Teams progress through five key phases: Ideation, Prototype, Business Plan, Go to Market, and the Innovation Summit.
Inspired by leading global youth innovation challenge models, our program is adapted for the Northern Nigerian context. We provide local mentorship, culturally relevant training materials, and support in both English and Hausa.
The challenge culminates in the Innovation Summit (Demo Day) where teams pitch their solutions to a panel of judges, with opportunities for recognition, prizes, and advancement to future opportunities.
The Innovation Journey
Five phases that take teams from idea to impact.
Ideation
Teams identify community problems and brainstorm innovative solutions through design thinking workshops
Prototype
Build functional app prototypes with hands-on coding training and mentor support
Business Plan
Develop sustainable business models, market research, and go-to-market strategies
Go to Market
Test solutions with real users, gather feedback, and iterate on the product
Innovation Summit
Present solutions to judges, investors, and community leaders at the regional showcase
Eligibility Requirements
We welcome young innovators from across Northern Nigeria.
Who Can Participate
- Ages 8-18 years old
- Resident of Northern Nigeria (or attending school in the region)
- Teams of 2-5 members
- Must have or be matched with an adult mentor
- No prior coding experience required
- Commitment to attend weekly training sessions
- Access to a smartphone or computer (support available for those without)
Participation Checklist
Your roadmap to joining the STEMify Africa Innovation Challenge.
- 1Register for the cohort (team or individual)
- 2Form a team (2–5 students) or get matched
- 3Get a mentor (provided or bring your own)
- 4Attend weekly learning sessions and mentor check-ins
- 5Build and test your solution with real users
- 6Submit your final deliverables and pitch at Demo Day
What You'll Submit
Final deliverables required to complete the challenge.
- Problem statement and user research summary
- Prototype / demo (app, website, or tech-enabled solution)
- Pitch deck (story + solution + impact)
- Basic business or sustainability plan (how it can grow or be maintained)
- Short demo video (optional where required)
Program Calendar
Key milestones in the challenge timeline (dates may vary by cohort).
August
Applications Open
September
Team Formation & Onboarding
October – December
Build Phase
December
Submission Deadline
January
Demo Day / Showcase
Choose Your Path
We offer three tracks tailored to different age groups and experience levels.
Beginner Track
Introduction to computational thinking and basic app development concepts.
Learning Outcomes
- Basic coding skills
- Problem identification
- Team collaboration
Junior Track
Build functional mobile apps that address community challenges.
Learning Outcomes
- Mobile app development
- User research
- Pitch presentation
Senior Track
Create market-ready solutions with sustainable business models.
Learning Outcomes
- Advanced development
- Business planning
- Investor pitching
Our Mentorship Model
Every team is matched with a dedicated mentor who provides guidance throughout the challenge. Mentors are industry professionals, educators, and community leaders who volunteer their time.
Beyond individual mentors, teams have access to technical coaches for coding help and business coaches for pitch and market research support.
1:1
Team Mentors
10+
Technical Coaches
12
Weekly Sessions
24/7 Chat
Office Hours
What Mentors Do
- 1Guide weekly check-ins and goal setting
- 2Help teams navigate technical challenges
- 3Provide feedback on ideas and prototypes
- 4Coach pitch preparation and presentation skills
- 5Connect teams with relevant resources and contacts
- 6Encourage persistence and celebrate progress
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the innovation challenge.
Ready to Join the Challenge?
Registration for the next cohort opens soon. Express your interest today.