Deadline: September 12, 2025
Are you a young innovator with a passion for democracy, civic engagement, and technology? Applications are now open for the Dr. Kole Shettima Innovation in Democracy Challenge (₦500,000 Prize). This initiative seeks to empower youth-led innovations that transform civic participation, accountability, elections, and democratic engagement across Nigeria.
About the Dr. Kole Shettima Innovation in Democracy Challenge
The Innovation in Democracy Challenge is designed to spotlight groundbreaking civic-tech solutions led by young Nigerians. By integrating AI and technology, applicants are expected to develop projects that strengthen democracy and youth participation in governance.
The programme follows a structured three-stage approach:
- Virtual Acceleration Programme
- The top 12 teams will receive mentorship, technical support, and training to refine their civic-tech ideas.
- Civic Hackathon Pitch
- The best 6 teams will present their projects before judges and stakeholders in a live hackathon pitch event.
- Seed Funding for Winners
- The top 3 finalists will each be awarded ₦500,000 in seed funding to scale and implement their innovative solutions.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Dr. Kole Shettima Innovation in Democracy Challenge, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Projects must be AI-powered and technology-driven.
- Solutions must be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
- Applicants must be resident in one of the following Nigerian states:
- Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, or Yobe.
Prize and Benefits
- ₦500,000 in seed funding for each of the 3 winning teams.
- Access to expert mentors and technical resources.
- Opportunity to pitch before high-level stakeholders in the democratic and civic-tech ecosystem.
- Capacity building through an intensive virtual acceleration programme.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submissions is Friday, 12 September 2025. Late applications will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit early.
How to Apply
Eligible innovators and teams can apply through the official programme portal.
For further details about the programme, visit:
Final Thoughts
The Dr. Kole Shettima Innovation in Democracy Challenge (₦500,000 Prize) presents a rare opportunity for young Nigerians to lead transformative change in governance and democratic participation using AI and technology. If you have an innovative civic-tech idea, now is the time to bring it to life.
📌 Need help with your proposal?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to boost your chances of winning.
