The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) announced that the age ceiling for its National Innovation Hackathon 2026 has been removed, permitting all Nigerians aged 18 and above to register via the NIMASA‑Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (NIMASA‑BEAP) portal that opened on 5 October.
What eligibility changes were made?
The portal now accepts applications from any adult Nigerian, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion or educational background. This shift follows a strong public demand for broader participation.
When and where will the hackathon take place?
The competition is slated for 8‑10 December 2026 and aims to surface innovative solutions for challenges across Nigeria’s maritime and blue‑economy sectors.
What innovation tracks are available?
Participants can choose from 13 tracks, including maritime technology and logistics, safety, surveillance and security, green shipping and vessel decarbonisation, seafarer welfare, port digitisation, marine waste management, aquaculture and sustainable fisheries, coastal and artisanal fishing, ocean data and analytics, nature‑based coastal defence, marine tourism, marine biotechnology, and deep‑seabed mining technologies.
What follows for successful entrants?
Winners will be invited to join a 12‑week accelerator running from January to April 2027, receiving mentorship, industry exposure and venture‑development support. The programme will culminate in a National Demo Day in April 2027, connecting participants with investors, partners and potential customers.
How is the programme positioned?
NIMASA‑BEAP is described as more than a contest; it functions as a national pipeline that identifies promising Nigerian solutions, nurtures them into viable businesses, and links them to opportunities within the country’s marine and blue‑economy landscape.
Applicants are urged to submit their proposals at no cost before the deadline on 13 November 2026 through the official portal.