Build the intelligence
Nigeria runs on.
Five phases. Six national sectors. One prize pool of ₦9,000,000 for the university team that ships a working intelligent system, not just a slide deck.
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Student teams
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Universities
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Prize pool
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Priority sectors
From lecture hall
to national stage.
COUCH is a national innovation programme that challenges university student teams across Nigeria to turn bold ideas into real, working solutions — a structured, mentorship-driven journey from idea to prototype to market readiness. Established by Coderina EdTech Foundation in partnership with the National Universities Commission.
It is not enough for university projects to gather dust on shelves. There must be a mindshift — one that moves research and innovation into the real economy, where ideas translate into viable enterprises and impactful solutions.
Olajide Ademola Ajayi · Founder, Coderina EdTech Foundation
University engagement
Connects top talent across universities into one national innovation ecosystem.
Tech innovation
Students build real solutions using AI, data, robotics, and software.
Mentorship programme
Industry experts mentor, guide, refine, and accelerate student ideas.
Startup development
Transforms ideas into scalable solutions and future ventures.
0%+
of graduates lack job ready skills
0%+
youth unemployment nationwide
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mindset shift: research into real economy
AI, data and technology
for national development.
Designing intelligent systems for a smarter Nigeria. Pick a lane, then build something that actually moves the needle for everyday Nigerians.
Healthcare
Predictive diagnostics, outbreak modelling, digital patient management.
Education
Adaptive learning, AI tutoring, real time performance analytics.
Public sector
E governance, fraud detection, AI assisted policy analysis.
Finance
Fraud detection, credit scoring for the unbanked, compliance tools.
Security
Predictive policing, cyber threat intelligence, border monitoring.
Transportation
Smart traffic systems, route optimisation, accident prediction.
Five phases, one clear path
from idea to national stage.
COUCH 2026 runs across the year, from open call to the Grand Finale in November and beyond.
Call for applications
May – JunNationwide open registration. Teams submit project ideas and a pitch video — a working prototype is not required to apply.
Evaluation & shortlisting
JulyA panel of judges reviews submissions on national relevance, innovation, feasibility, and presentation quality.
Development & mentorship
Aug – OctShortlisted teams are paired with mentors to refine ideas, build AI models, integrate hardware, and develop working prototypes.
Finals & exhibition
NovemberTeams present completed intelligent systems at the Grand Finale — live demos, pitches, and an exhibition for judges and the public.
Incubation & support
BeyondWinning and outstanding teams receive continued mentorship, incubation, networking, and pathways to funding and commercialisation.
The 2025 pioneer edition,
by the numbers.
Delivered with the NUC across all six geopolitical zones — turning bold student ideas into market-ready prototypes pitched live to ministers, investors, and industry leaders.
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Student teams
from across Nigeria
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Universities
engaged nationwide
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Expert mentors
guiding innovation
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Prize pool
awarded to top teams
2025 Pioneer Winners
Team IMSU
Biomass Digester · Imo State University
₦5,000,000
Neuronaut
Underwater ROV · Nile University of Nigeria
₦2,500,000
Waste2Light
Wind Turbine · FUT Minna
₦1,500,000
Featured across national media in 2025
₦9,000,000 in prizes,
and a way forward.
COUCH rewards excellence with cash prizes and lasting opportunities that support each team's growth well beyond the finale.
₦5,000,000
The Challenge Prize for the highest scoring team on prototype and pitch.
₦2,500,000
Runner up prize and recognition at the national finale.
₦1,500,000
Second runner up prize and recognition at the national finale.
People's Choice Award
Voted by public social media engagement and online participation.
Best AI Innovation Award
For the most technically sophisticated, impactful use of AI.
Inclusion & Equity Award
For the solution that best serves marginalised or underserved Nigerians.
Every team is supported
Beyond the prize money, every finalist gains certificates, media coverage, and visibility across Coderina's national network.
- Online masterclasses in AI and ML, ethics, design, and pitching
- Assigned technical mentors
- Business and commercialisation coaching
- Curated datasets, tools, and a resource library
Your seat on the COUCH
is waiting.
Form your team, pick a sector, and register for COUCH 2026. It costs nothing to enter, and everything to win.