Apply to USPF Changemaker Challenge 2026
Call for Applications: USPF Changemaker Challenge 2026
Advancing Digital Inclusion Through Homegrown ICT Innovation Across Nigeria
Executive Overview
The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, invites applications for the USPF Changemaker Challenge 2026.
This initiative aims to foster homegrown Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovations that break barriers to digital inclusion and address critical socio-economic challenges faced by unserved and underserved communities in Nigeria. We are seeking passionate innovation teams and early-stage tech startups to develop scalable, practical solutions across five key sectors.
Target Sectors
Applicants must present an ICT-driven solution aligned with one of the following five challenge areas:
Agriculture: ICT solutions enabling farmers and agricultural businesses to access data, tools, and markets to increase yield, revenue, and resilience.
Education: Digital learning platforms and tools that enhance access to quality education resources for children, youth, and educators in remote or under-resourced areas.
Healthcare: Innovative digital health platforms facilitating reliable access to medical advice, primary healthcare services, and continuous patient care.
Clean & Affordable Energy: ICT-enabled technology promoting the adoption, management, and accessibility of reliable clean energy for households, micro-enterprises, and public facilities.
Financial Inclusion: Secure, accessible digital financial technology helping individuals and informal micro-businesses access banking, savings, payments, and credit tools.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all the following eligibility requirements at the time of submission:
Team Composition: Applications must be submitted by a team of 2 to 5 members. Individual applications will not be accepted.
Age & Residency: All team members must be at least 18 years old. Team members must be Nigerian citizens or legal residents currently living in Nigeria.
Geographic Coverage: Open to teams originating from or operating across all 36 States of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Stage of Innovation: Teams must possess a clear ICT-driven idea, working prototype, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), or existing functional platform.
Business Registration: Formal company registration (e.g., CAC) is not mandatory at the time of application.
Commitment: Selected teams must commit to participating in all virtual Regional Demo Days and the physical National Demo Day if shortlisted.
Evaluation Framework
Submitted applications are scored objectively based on five weighted criteria totaling 100%:
Evaluation WeightSelection CriteriaDescription
25%Problem Fit & USPF RelevanceAlignment with selected sector problem statement and addressable needs of underserved groups.
25%Solution Functionality & FeasibilityPracticality, technical feasibility, demonstrated working mechanics, and execution capability.
20%User Need & Potential ImpactDirect social/economic value, scale of demand, and measurable community benefit.
20%Affordability & AccessibilityEase of adoption, local environmental suitability, and low cost for end-users.
10%Team Capability & ReadinessTechnical/business domain experience, execution capacity, and readiness to deliver.
Funding & Winner Benefits
Cash Prize Pool (₦10,000,000 Total)
1st Place: ₦5,000,000
2nd Place: ₦3,000,000
3rd Place: ₦2,000,000
Venture Acceleration & Support
4-Week Incubation: All six (6) National Demo Day finalists gain admittance into an intensive incubation program featuring technical mentorship, business model design, and market-readiness masterclasses.
Ecosystem Exposure: Pitch directly before regional and national judging panels, venture investors, and telecommunications stakeholders.
100% IP Ownership: Teams retain full ownership of all intellectual property created before, during, or after the competition.
Timeline & Programme Phases
Online Applications: Open from 2nd November to 15th November 2026 at 11:59 PM WAT.
Review & Screening: Eligibility verification and expert scoring against selection criteria.
Regional Demo Days: 50 selected teams pitch virtually across 6 regional events.
National Demo Day: The top team from each geopolitical zone competes in-person in Abuja for the final prizes.
Incubation Support: 4 weeks of dedicated venture growth support for the 6 national finalists.
How to Apply
Visit the official application portal:
Register your innovation team on the InnoX platform.
Review the detailed problem statements for your selected challenge sector.
Fill out the application form describing the problem, solution mechanics, target market, and team profile.
Upload supporting documentation and submit before the cutoff time.
Application Deadline: Sunday, 15th November 2026 at 11:59 PM WAT.
