The Flour Mills of Nigeria Prize for Innovation Competition 2026 | ₦10m Prizes is a national innovation challenge aimed at identifying and rewarding groundbreaking solutions in Nigeria’s food and agro-allied sector. Organized by Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), this competition seeks to empower Nigerian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and students who are developing transformative ideas in cassava production and processing.
As part of its commitment to strengthening sustainable food systems, FMN has allocated a total prize pool of ₦10 million for the 2026 edition. In addition to financial rewards, participants will benefit from structured mentorship and capacity-building support.
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Flour Mills of Nigeria Prize for Innovation Competition 2026 Summary
- Organizer: Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Plc
- Programme Type: National Innovation Competition
- Eligible Country: Nigeria
- Total Prize Value: ₦10,000,000
- Categories: SME Category and Student Category
- Focus Area: Innovative Practices in Cassava Production and Processing
- Additional Benefits: Training and mentorship opportunities
- Application Deadline: March 16, 2026
Overview of the Flour Mills of Nigeria Prize for Innovation Competition 2026
Promoting Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Food Systems in Nigeria
The Flour Mills of Nigeria Prize for Innovation Competition 2026 is designed to stimulate creativity, engineering excellence, and technological advancement within Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. As one of Africa’s leading food and agro-allied corporations, FMN launched this initiative to encourage sustainable solutions capable of improving food production and strengthening long-term food security.
Each edition of the FMN Prize for Innovation highlights a strategic segment of the food value chain that plays a vital role in national development. For the fifth season, known as FMN PFI 5.0, the emphasis is on innovative practices in cassava production and processing. Cassava remains one of Nigeria’s most important staple crops; therefore, innovations within this sector have significant economic and social implications.
Through this competition, FMN aims to identify scalable ideas that enhance productivity, reduce inefficiencies, and introduce technological modernization into cassava farming and processing operations.
Focus Area: Innovative Practices in Cassava Production and Processing
Key Innovation Themes for the 2026 FMN Prize for Innovation
Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed solutions address critical challenges within the cassava value chain. Submissions should align with one or more of the following thematic areas:
- Productivity improvement or yield optimization
- Efficient and modern cassava processing technologies
- Reduction of post-harvest losses
- Climate-smart and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices
- Market expansion strategies and value-chain enhancement
- Technological integration, including automation, digitization, and biotechnology
Accordingly, proposals should clearly explain their practical impact, scalability, and contribution to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Eligibility Criteria for Flour Mills of Nigeria Prize for Innovation Competition 2026
SME Category Requirements for Nigerian MSMEs
The SME Category is specifically tailored for registered Nigerian businesses operating within the food and agro-allied industry. To qualify under this category, applicants must:
- Be a registered Nigerian Micro, Small, or Medium Enterprise (MSME)
- Operate within the food production or agro-allied sector
- Develop innovative solutions related to cassava production, processing, or value addition
This category targets entrepreneurs who have already established operational businesses and are seeking support to scale their innovative solutions.
Student Category Requirements for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students
The Student Category is designed to encourage young innovators currently enrolled in Nigerian tertiary institutions. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be Nigerian undergraduate or postgraduate students
- Be enrolled in a recognized tertiary institution
- Present innovative ideas that address challenges in cassava production or processing
This category focuses on early-stage innovation and encourages academic research with practical applications in agriculture and food engineering.
Prize Structure and Financial Rewards of FMN Prize for Innovation 2026
₦10 Million Total Prize Pool Across Two Categories
The Flour Mills of Nigeria Prize for Innovation Competition 2026 offers substantial financial rewards distributed across both categories.
SME Category Prizes
- First Prize: ₦5,000,000
- Second Prize: ₦3,000,000
- Third Prize: ₦2,000,000
These awards are intended to support business expansion, technological upgrades, and further product development.
Student Category Prizes
- First Prize: ₦300,000
- Second Prize: ₦200,000
- Third Prize: ₦100,000
Although smaller in monetary value compared to the SME category, these prizes provide valuable recognition and seed funding for student innovators.
Beyond financial rewards, shortlisted participants may gain access to mentorship, training sessions, and exposure to industry experts within Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem.
Strategic Importance of the FMN Prize for Innovation Competition
Advancing Nigeria’s Agricultural Value Chain
The Flour Mills of Nigeria Prize for Innovation Competition 2026 goes beyond a standard business contest. Instead, it represents a strategic effort to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural sector by promoting efficiency, sustainability, and technological advancement.
Cassava production remains central to Nigeria’s food economy. However, challenges such as low yields, outdated processing techniques, and post-harvest losses continue to limit profitability and food security. By incentivizing innovation in these areas, FMN aims to catalyze transformative change.
Furthermore, the competition fosters collaboration between industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and emerging entrepreneurs. This cross-sector engagement strengthens Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem while promoting job creation and economic resilience.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Flour Mills of Nigeria Prize for Innovation Competition 2026
How to Submit Your Entry for the ₦10m Innovation Competition
Applicants interested in participating in the Flour Mills of Nigeria Prize for Innovation Competition 2026 must follow these steps:
- Visit the official FMN Prize for Innovation application webpage.
- Select the appropriate category (SME or Student).
- Complete the online application form.
- Provide detailed information about your innovative solution, including objectives, methodology, expected impact, and scalability.
- Submit your entry before the official deadline of March 16, 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to present well-structured proposals supported by data, feasibility assessments, and clear implementation plans. Strong documentation increases the likelihood of progressing through the evaluation stages.
Important Deadline and Key Dates
- Application Deadline: March 16, 2026
- Competition Edition: FMN PFI 5.0
- Focus Sector: Cassava production and processing
Prospective participants should begin preparing their submissions early to ensure accuracy, completeness, and clarity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Flour Mills of Nigeria Prize for Innovation Competition 2026 | ₦10m Prizes presents a valuable opportunity for Nigerian MSMEs and students to gain recognition, funding, and mentorship for innovative agricultural solutions. By concentrating on cassava production and processing, the competition addresses a crucial sector within Nigeria’s food system.
Through substantial financial awards and structured support, FMN continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing sustainability, and strengthening the nation’s agricultural value chain. Entrepreneurs and students with scalable, impact-driven ideas are strongly encouraged to apply before the March 16, 2026 deadline.
