Nigerian technology startups are set to access a proposed ₦3 billion investment and pilot contract pipeline through the 2026 DNICE Builders Festival, an initiative aimed at connecting technology companies with institutions seeking solutions to real operational challenges.
The programme, led by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in partnership with Tech Revolution Africa, is inviting startups with products that can be deployed by government agencies, financial institutions, corporations and other organisations.
Unlike conventional startup showcases, the initiative begins by identifying institutional challenges rather than focusing on business pitches. Participating institutions submit specific operational or technological problems, after which startups with relevant products are identified and matched with the organisations.
Dr. Aristotle Onumo, NITDA’s Director of Special Duties Directorate in the Office of the Director-General, said the initiative aims to ensure that local innovations address institutional needs.
“Our objective at NITDA is to foster an environment where local innovation directly services institutional needs. The DNICE Builders Festival bridges the historic disconnect between large-scale public or private enterprises and our domestic tech ecosystem,” he said.
The official Builders Festival platform currently features more than 50 institutional challenges, with a pipeline targeting ₦3 billion in investment and pilot contracts.
The opportunities span several sectors of the Nigerian economy, including financial technology, healthcare, education, logistics, digital identity, telecommunications infrastructure, agriculture and artificial intelligence.
Among the challenges listed is the digital transformation of civil registration and population data management. Other areas include real-time cargo monitoring, customs risk profiling, satellite connectivity, financial monitoring and patient identity systems.
According to the organisers, the opportunities extend beyond visibility and exposure for participating startups.
The programme is designed to give selected businesses direct access to institutions that have already identified a need for technology solutions. Startups successfully matched with these institutions will proceed to the Deal Room at DNICE 2026, where discussions could lead to pilot agreements, memoranda of understanding and investment opportunities.
Glory Olamigoke, co-founder of Tech Revolution Africa, described the challenge facing the ecosystem as a coordination gap between institutions and technology developers.
“Africa does not suffer from a shortage of technical talent; it suffers from a coordination gap,” Olamigoke said.
The initiative is therefore intended to reduce the gap between startups developing products and institutions seeking solutions they are willing to procure.
The organisers are targeting Nigerian-registered startups that have reached the minimum viable product (MVP) stage or beyond. Applicants must have at least one active user, an ongoing pilot or a paying client.
The selection process will assess applicants based on market traction, team resilience and product maturity.
Selected founders are also expected to gain access to masterclasses covering product development, engineering and go-to-market strategy.
The Builders Festival will culminate in live Deal Room sessions at DNICE 2026, scheduled to hold from November 10 to 12 at the BAT International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Startups interested in participating can review the available institutional challenges and submit their applications through the Builders Festival startup application portal.
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