Deadline: March 16, 2026
The Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Prize for Innovation Competition 2026 is now open for applications. This flagship initiative is designed to drive innovation across Nigeria’s food systems, with a strong focus on strengthening the cassava value chain.
Organised by Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, the competition supports forward-thinking solutions that enhance food production, processing, value addition and sustainability within the agro-allied sector.
If you are an SME operator or a student with a bold, practical solution for cassava production and processing, this is an opportunity to gain funding, visibility and industry support.
About the Competition
The Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Prize for Innovation Competition 2026 represents the 5th edition of FMN’s annual innovation challenge. The programme is focused on advancing innovative practices in cassava production and processing, recognising the crop’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s food security and industrial development.
Nigeria remains one of the world’s largest cassava producers. However, significant opportunities still exist in improving productivity, processing efficiency, and value-added product development. This competition aims to unlock scalable solutions that can transform the cassava ecosystem.
Competition Theme (2026)
“Innovative Practices in Cassava Production and Processing.”
Applicants are expected to present ideas, technologies, or models that address key gaps across the cassava value chain, including:
- Improved cassava farming techniques
- Mechanisation and processing innovations
- Post-harvest management solutions
- Value addition and product development
- Supply chain optimisation
- Sustainable and commercially viable models
Categories
The competition features two main categories:
1. SME Category
Open to registered Nigerian SMEs operating within the food and agro-allied industry.
Eligible innovations must focus on:
- Cassava production
- Cassava processing
- Cassava value addition
- Related supply chain and industrial solutions
2. Student Category
Open to Nigerian undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Applicants must propose innovative solutions addressing:
- Cassava production challenges
- Processing gaps
- Technological or operational inefficiencies within the value chain
Prizes and Benefits
SME Category Prizes
- 🥇 1st Prize: ₦5,000,000
- 🥈 2nd Prize: ₦3,000,000
- 🥉 3rd Prize: ₦2,000,000
Student Category Prizes
- 🥇 1st Prize: ₦300,000
- 🥈 2nd Prize: ₦200,000
- 🥉 3rd Prize: ₦100,000
Beyond financial rewards, winners also gain:
- Access to mentorship
- Exposure to industry experts
- Networking opportunities
- Increased visibility within Nigeria’s agribusiness ecosystem
Application Deadline
📅 16 March 2026
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their entries before the deadline to avoid last-minute challenges.
Why You Should Apply
The Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Prize for Innovation Competition 2026 provides more than funding — it offers a platform to:
- Validate your innovation
- Gain corporate backing
- Strengthen your market positioning
- Contribute to Nigeria’s food security and economic development
For SMEs, it is a chance to scale commercially viable solutions.
For students, it is an opportunity to transform academic ideas into real-world impact.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online via the official programme platform.
Need Support With Your Application?
If you require professional assistance with proposal drafting, refining, or review, contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review to strengthen your submission and improve your chances of success.
