Tobams Group Next AI Innovators Challenge 2026: Win a Share of ₦1 Million in Cash Prizes
Do you have an innovative idea that could solve a real-world problem using Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
The Next AI Innovators Challenge 2026, organised by Tobams Group in partnership with Access Bank Plc, is calling on Nigerian students, developers, entrepreneurs, AI enthusiasts, recent graduates and young professionals to showcase what they can build and compete for a share of ₦1 million in cash prizes.
This is part of a wider initiative themed “Preparing Nigeria’s Next Generation to Win in an AI-Powered World”, taking place on 18 September 2026. The programme combines an AI-focused webinar with a practical innovation challenge where selected participants will pitch their solutions before an expert judging panel and audience.
About the Next AI Innovators Challenge
The challenge is designed to provide a platform for emerging Nigerian innovators to demonstrate what they can actually create with AI, rather than simply discussing their knowledge of the technology.
Participants are encouraged to develop solutions that address real-world problems and demonstrate how AI can be used to create meaningful impact.
The initiative is being delivered by Tobams Group and Access Bank Plc as part of efforts to prepare Nigeria’s next generation for an increasingly AI-powered world.
What Is Happening?
The programme includes a free virtual AI Webinar & Hackathon experience.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, 18 September 2026
- Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM WAT
- Mode: Live/Virtual on Zoom
- Cost: FREE
- Organisers: Tobams Group × Access Bank Plc
- Competition: Next AI Innovators Challenge
- Competition application deadline: 5 September 2026
The webinar will bring together young Nigerians, industry leaders, professionals, innovators and other people interested in the future of AI, careers, employability, entrepreneurship and innovation.
₦1 Million in Cash Prizes
One of the biggest attractions of the Next AI Innovators Challenge is the ₦1 million total prize pool.
The prizes are divided as follows:
First Place — ₦500,000
The winner of the competition will receive a ₦500,000 cash prize.
Second Place — ₦300,000
The second-place winner will receive ₦300,000.
Third Place — ₦200,000
The third-place winner will receive ₦200,000.
Total Prize Pool: ₦1,000,000
The challenge therefore provides three successful innovators with an opportunity to receive financial rewards while gaining recognition for their AI solutions.
Who Should Apply?
The competition is open to a broad range of young Nigerians.
The organisers specifically invite:
- Students
- Recent graduates
- Developers
- Technology professionals
- AI enthusiasts
- Entrepreneurs
- Startup founders
- NYSC members
- Early-career professionals
- Innovators
- Problem-solvers
You do not have to fit into only one category. If you are passionate about AI and innovation and have something meaningful to build or showcase, this challenge is designed to give you a platform.
What Are Participants Expected to Do?
The challenge is focused on building and showcasing AI-powered solutions.
Participants should be prepared to:
- Identify a real-world problem.
- Develop an AI-powered solution or innovative idea.
- Demonstrate what they have built.
- Explain the problem their solution addresses.
- Pitch their solution.
- Showcase the potential impact of their innovation.
- Present before an expert judging panel and audience.
The organisers emphasise that the challenge is about showing what you have created and the problem you are solving, not simply what you know about AI.
Benefits of Participating
Beyond the cash prizes, participants can gain several valuable opportunities.
1. Build and Showcase an AI Solution
Participants get a platform to develop and present an AI-powered solution.
This can help demonstrate practical skills to people within the technology, business and innovation ecosystem.
2. Solve Real-World Problems
The challenge encourages participants to apply AI to real-world challenges.
This gives innovators an opportunity to move from theoretical ideas to practical solutions.
3. Learn Practical AI Tools and Techniques
The wider webinar and hackathon experience will expose participants to practical AI tools and techniques.
4. Connect With Industry Leaders
Participants can connect with industry leaders, professionals and innovators, creating opportunities for networking and learning.
5. Pitch Your Idea
Finalists will have an opportunity to pitch their solutions live before an expert judging panel and audience.
This can help participants improve their communication and pitching skills while giving their ideas greater visibility.
6. Gain Visibility
The challenge provides a platform for emerging AI builders and innovators to showcase their work and gain visibility.
7. Explore Career Opportunities
Participants can explore opportunities related to:
- Careers
- Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Future skills
- AI
- Technology
8. Compete for ₦1 Million
The top three participants will share ₦1 million in cash prizes:
- 1st — ₦500,000
- 2nd — ₦300,000
- 3rd — ₦200,000
The Bigger Initiative: Preparing Nigeria for an AI-Powered World
The Next AI Innovators Challenge is part of a larger programme organised around the theme:
“Preparing Nigeria’s Next Generation to Win in an AI-Powered World.”
The event is intended to help young Nigerians understand what AI means for:
- Careers
- Employability
- Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Future skills
- The future of work
The organisers want participants to gain practical insights and a clearer understanding of how they can position themselves for opportunities in an AI-powered economy.
Why This Competition Matters
AI is increasingly influencing how people work, learn, build businesses and solve problems.
The initiative therefore aims to move the conversation beyond simply asking whether AI will change the future.
Instead, it encourages young Nigerians to prepare, build and participate in that future.
For students and young professionals, this can mean developing practical AI skills, experimenting with new technologies, creating solutions and demonstrating their abilities to potential employers, partners and other stakeholders.
About Tobams Group
Tobams Group is a digital consulting and talent-development organisation focused on areas including:
- Digital transformation
- Business consulting
- Technology talent solutions
- Training and development
- IT consulting
- Social impact
- Talent recruitment
The organisation says it is working toward connecting and developing one million talents through its wider talent ecosystem.
The group’s TG Nexus platform provides career and employability development, assessments, experiential learning and access to opportunities.
About the Partnership With Access Bank
The challenge is being delivered through a partnership between Tobams Group and Access Bank Plc.
The partnership brings together corporate leadership, technology, talent development and opportunity to help young Nigerians prepare for an AI-driven future.
Application Deadline
5 September 2026
The competition application deadline is 5 September 2026.
Interested applicants should therefore submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Webinar Date and Time
The associated AI webinar and hackathon experience will take place on:
Date: Friday, 18 September 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM WAT
Venue: Online
Platform: Zoom
Cost: Free
How to Apply
Interested participants should register through the official Tobams Group registration platform.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
You should be a:
- Student
- Recent graduate
- Developer
- Technology professional
- AI enthusiast
- Entrepreneur/startup founder
- NYSC member
- Early-career professional
- Innovator
- Problem-solver
and have an interest in AI and innovation.
Step 2: Prepare Your Innovation
Think about an actual problem that AI can help solve.
Your solution should demonstrate:
- The problem you are addressing.
- Your proposed solution.
- How AI is being used.
- The potential impact of the solution.
- What you have built or developed.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Register through the official Tobams Group platform.
Important Details for Applicants
- The competition is not a conventional scholarship; it is an AI innovation competition with cash prizes.
- Participation in the webinar/hackathon experience is free.
- The total competition prize pool is ₦1 million.
- There are three cash prizes.
- First place receives ₦500,000.
- Second place receives ₦300,000.
- Third place receives ₦200,000.
- The competition is targeted at young Nigerians.
- Students, recent graduates, developers, entrepreneurs, NYSC members, AI enthusiasts and early-career professionals can participate.
- Finalists will pitch their solutions before an expert judging panel and audience.
- The associated event will take place online via Zoom.
- The event is scheduled for 18 September 2026 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM WAT.
- The competition application deadline is 5 September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a scholarship?
No. The Next AI Innovators Challenge is an AI innovation competition, not a tuition scholarship. The opportunity provides cash prizes to the top three participants.
How much can the winner receive?
The first-place winner receives ₦500,000.
What is the total prize money?
The total prize pool is ₦1 million.
Can students apply?
Yes. Students are explicitly invited to apply.
Can NYSC members apply?
Yes. NYSC members are among the groups specifically listed as eligible to participate.
Can entrepreneurs apply?
Yes. Entrepreneurs and startup founders are encouraged to participate.
Is the event free?
Yes. The AI webinar and hackathon experience is free.
When is the event?
Friday, 18 September 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM WAT.
Where will it take place?
The event will be live on Zoom.
What is the application deadline?
5 September 2026.
Next AI Innovators Challenge 2026 — Quick Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition | The Next AI Innovators Challenge 2026 |
| Organisers | Tobams Group × Access Bank Plc |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Focus | Artificial Intelligence & Innovation |
| Target participants | Students, graduates, developers, entrepreneurs, AI enthusiasts, NYSC members, early-career professionals and innovators |
| Cost | FREE |
| Total prize pool | ₦1,000,000 |
| 1st Prize | ₦500,000 |
| 2nd Prize | ₦300,000 |
| 3rd Prize | ₦200,000 |
| Event | AI Webinar & Hackathon Experience |
| Date | 18 September 2026 |
| Time | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM WAT |
| Platform | Zoom |
| Competition application deadline | 5 September 2026 |
| Main activity | Build, showcase and pitch AI-powered solutions |
| Finalists | Pitch before an expert judging panel and audience |
| Registration | Online |
Scholarships Expiring Soon
Conclusion
The Next AI Innovators Challenge 2026 gives young Nigerians an opportunity to put their AI skills into practice, solve real-world problems and gain visibility for their innovations.
With ₦1 million in total cash prizes, free participation, exposure to industry leaders and the opportunity to pitch before an expert judging panel, the competition is particularly relevant to students, developers, entrepreneurs, AI enthusiasts, recent graduates, NYSC members and other young innovators.
The key dates to remember are:
Application deadline: 5 September 2026
AI Webinar & Hackathon: 18 September 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM WAT
Mode: Live on Zoom
Cost: FREE
Prize pool: ₦1,000,000
If you have an AI idea or solution that can make a real difference, this is your chance to build it, pitch it and compete for recognition and cash prizes.
