NIMASA Blue Economy Hackathon 2026: How to Apply

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has opened applications for its 2026 Blue Economy Accelerator Programme.

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NIMASA is inviting Nigerian innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, developers and startups to submit solutions capable of addressing challenges in the maritime and ocean economy.

Interested applicants have until Friday, November 13, 2026, to submit their applications for the National Innovation Hackathon, which forms part of the programme.

The initiative is designed to identify promising innovations, support the development of new businesses and strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy through technology, entrepreneurship and investment.

According to NIMASA, the programme is open to Nigerians aged 18 and above, following the agency’s decision to remove the initial age restriction. Applicants do not need a particular educational background to participate.

What Is the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme?

The NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (NIMASA-BEAP) is a national innovation initiative established to encourage entrepreneurship, technological development and investment in Nigeria’s maritime and ocean-based industries.

The programme seeks to identify innovative ideas and startups, provide opportunities for venture development and connect promising businesses with investors, industry stakeholders and potential commercial partners.

Rather than operating solely as a competition, the initiative provides a pathway through which innovative ideas can be developed into viable businesses.

The programme consists of several stages, including application screening, the National Innovation Hackathon, a 12-week accelerator programme and a National Demo Day.

Who Can Apply for the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator 2026?

The opportunity is open to Nigerians aged 18 and above, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion or educational background.

Eligible applicants include:

• Entrepreneurs and startup founders.

• Students and graduates.

• Researchers and academics.

• Software developers and technology innovators.

• Engineers and inventors.

• Artisans and skilled professionals.

• Individuals and teams with innovative maritime or ocean-economy solutions.

According to the programme portal, applicants should also meet the following requirements:

• Have a Nigerian-registered or registration-in-progress startup.

• Have at least one Nigerian founder or co-founder.

• Apply with a team of at least two members.

• Have an innovation at the idea, minimum viable product (MVP), early-revenue or growth stage.

• Be willing to participate in the programme.

Importantly, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration is not compulsory at the application stage.

What Are the Innovation Areas Covered?

The National Innovation Hackathon features 13 innovation tracks covering different opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sectors.

These include:

1. Maritime technology and logistics.

2. Maritime safety, surveillance and security.

3. Green shipping and vessel decarbonisation.

4. Seafarer welfare.

5. Port digitisation.

6. Marine waste management.

7. Aquaculture and sustainable fisheries.

8. Coastal and artisanal fishing.

9. Ocean data and analytics.

10. Nature-based coastal defence.

11. Marine tourism.

12. Marine biotechnology.

13. Deep-seabed mining technologies and research.

Applicants are expected to identify the innovation area that best aligns with their proposed solutions.

What Are the Benefits of the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme?

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to participate in a structured innovation and business-development programme.

Some of the expected benefits include:

• Participation in the National Innovation Hackathon.

• Access to structured mentorship and business-development support.

• Opportunities to refine and develop innovative solutions.

• Exposure to maritime industry stakeholders and potential commercial partners.

• Opportunities to engage with investors and potential customers.

• Participation in the 12-week accelerator programme for selected ventures.

• Opportunities to showcase their businesses during the National Demo Day.

The programme is intended to help promising innovators move from the idea stage towards developing commercially viable solutions that can contribute to Nigeria’s blue economy.

Documents and Information Required

Interested applicants should prepare relevant information about their startups, founders, proposed solutions and business models before starting the application.

The application process requires information about the startup’s background, team composition, innovation track, development stage, target market and expected impact.

Applicants should also prepare the following supporting documents:

• Pitch deck: A PDF presentation explaining the business idea, problem, proposed solution, market opportunity and business model. The portal’s application requirements specify a maximum file size of 10MB.

• Founder identification: A valid identification document in PDF, JPG or PNG format, with a maximum file size of 3MB.

• CAC certificate: A business registration certificate, where available. This is optional.

Applicants should consult the official application guide for the latest document specifications and submission requirements.

How to Apply for the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme 2026

Interested and eligible Nigerians can apply online through the official NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme portal.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the application portal

Go to the official NIMASA-BEAP website:

https://nbeap.nimasa.gov.ng/

Select the startup application option to begin the process.

Step 2: Create an account

Register using your email address and provide the information required to create your applicant account.

Step 3: Complete your startup profile

Provide your startup or project name, location, founding date, registration status and other relevant business information.

Step 4: Provide your team information

Enter the details of the lead founder and other team members. Ensure that your team meets the programme’s minimum membership requirement.

Step 5: Select your innovation track

Choose the innovation category that best describes your proposed solution. You will also be required to indicate the current development stage of your startup.

Step 6: Describe your innovation

Explain the problem your business intends to solve, your proposed solution, its uniqueness, target market and potential impact on Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy.

Applicants should provide clear and practical explanations of how their innovations can address existing industry challenges.

Step 7: Upload supporting documents

Upload your pitch deck and founder identification in the required formats. You may also provide your CAC certificate if your business is registered.

Step 8: Review and submit your application

Carefully review the information and documents provided before submitting your application.

Ensure that all required sections are completed correctly and submit before the application deadline.

Applicants can also consult the official application guide for additional instructions.

Application guide: https://nbeap.nimasa.gov.ng/guide

Important Dates for the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator 2026

The programme has outlined the following implementation schedule:

Following the application process, successful participants will proceed to the National Innovation Hackathon in December 2026.

Selected ventures will subsequently have the opportunity to participate in the 12-week accelerator programme in 2027. The initiative will culminate in a National Demo Day where participants can showcase their solutions to investors, industry stakeholders and potential partners.

Is the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Application Free?

Yes. NIMASA has stated that applications are free of charge.

Interested applicants are not required to pay any individual or organisation to access the programme or submit an application.

Applicants are advised to use the official NIMASA-BEAP website and avoid individuals demanding payment in exchange for selection or participation.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme 2026 is Friday, November 13, 2026.

Nigerian entrepreneurs, researchers, developers, engineers, students and other innovators with solutions relevant to the maritime and blue economy are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.

Interested applicants can begin the process through the official application portal:

Apply here: NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Application Portal

Application guide: Read the Official Application Guide

Source: Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).