As part of activities marking the 70th birthday of renowned Nigerian engineer, Prof. Bart Nnaji, a groundbreaking national innovation competition has been unveiled, offering a grand prize of ₦10 million to engineers and innovators who can design a safer and more efficient method of harvesting palm wine.
The Bart Nnaji Engineering Innovation Competition 2026 is calling on Nigeria’s brightest minds, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, NYSC members, and independent tech innovators, to rethink the traditional, high-risk practice of climbing palm trees for wine tapping.
With the theme centered on “Safe Lift. Maximum Yield,” the competition aims to address the growing safety concerns and sustainability challenges facing the palm wine industry, particularly as experienced tappers age and younger generations shy away from the hazardous trade.
Participants are expected to develop a Safe Mechanical Palm Wine Harvesting System under two key categories: a Mechanical Human Lift that ensures complete operator safety, or a Ground-Operated Automated System that eliminates the need for climbing altogether.
Organizers emphasized that all proposed solutions must meet strict technical requirements, including absolute safety measures, off-grid power capability, portability, affordability, and strong reliance on locally sourced materials to ensure grassroots adoption.
Beyond the ₦10 million grand prize, the competition boasts a total investment of ₦31 million, which includes funding support for prototype development and travel stipends for the top three finalists who will advance to the final pitch stage.
The application portal is currently open and will close on May 27, 2026, while the final pitch defense is scheduled to take place on June 18 in Aba or Enugu. The overall winner is expected to emerge after prototype development later in the year.
Powered by the Prof. Bart Nnaji Foundation, the initiative is not only a celebration of Prof. Nnaji’s legacy but also a bold step toward transforming a traditional industry through modern engineering solutions.
The competition is already generating excitement across academic and innovation circles, as stakeholders view it as a timely intervention capable of improving safety, boosting productivity, and unlocking new economic opportunities within Nigeria’s palm wine value chain.
