Deadline: 16-Mar-2026
The Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Prize for Innovation is inviting ideas that advance sustainable food production, with a focus on cassava production and processing. Open to Nigerian SMEs and university students, the competition seeks creative, practical solutions that strengthen Nigeria’s food value chain and promote long-term agricultural sustainability.
About the Innovation
The FMN Prize for Innovation is an annual initiative by Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, a leading food and agro-allied company in Africa. The program encourages innovative ideas, engineering solutions, and creative practices that can positively impact Nigeria’s food production systems.
By focusing on practical innovation, the initiative aims to:
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Enhance sustainable food production
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Strengthen processing and production systems
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Support long-term development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector
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Promote creativity and problem-solving across the food value chain
Each year, the prize highlights a specific area of the food sector, addressing critical challenges and opportunities in agriculture.
Focus for 2026: Cassava Production and Processing
The fifth season of the FMN Prize for Innovation focuses on cassava, a key staple crop in Nigeria. This season seeks innovative solutions that:
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Improve cassava cultivation techniques
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Enhance processing efficiency and value addition
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Strengthen the cassava value chain
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Encourage sustainable practices in cassava-related activities
Participants are encouraged to submit ideas that can boost productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and create new economic opportunities in cassava production and processing.
Who Can Apply?
The competition has two categories to accommodate different groups of innovators:
1. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
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Open to registered Nigerian SMEs operating in the food and agro-allied sector
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Encourages businesses with practical solutions that can be implemented at scale
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Focus on real-world impact and commercial viability
2. University Students
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Open to Nigerian undergraduate and postgraduate students
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Encourages creative ideas and innovative solutions related to cassava production and processing
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Focus on research-driven or experimental approaches that can transform the agricultural sector
Why This Prize Matters
The FMN Prize for Innovation is more than a competition—it is a platform for sustainable agricultural transformation. The initiative:
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Promotes innovation in Nigeria’s food systems
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Supports economic growth and food security
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Encourages practical, scalable solutions for farmers and processors
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Engages students and entrepreneurs in shaping Nigeria’s agricultural future
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
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Determine eligibility
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SMEs: Must be registered and operating in Nigeria’s food sector
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Students: Must be enrolled in an accredited Nigerian university
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Develop your innovative idea
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Focus on cassava production, processing, or value addition
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Highlight sustainability, efficiency, and scalability
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Prepare supporting documents
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Concept notes, business plans, prototypes, or project outlines
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Any relevant research or experimental data
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Submit your application
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Follow official FMN submission guidelines
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Ensure all documents are complete and accurate
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Participate in evaluation
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Shortlisted entries may be reviewed by a panel of experts
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Winners will receive recognition and potential support for implementation
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Tips for a Strong Application
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Present clear objectives and measurable impact
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Demonstrate innovation and originality
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Show potential for scaling and sustainability
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Provide practical solutions for cassava challenges
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Ensure clarity and completeness in submission documents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the focus of the FMN Prize for Innovation 2026?
The focus is on innovative practices in cassava production and processing in Nigeria.
2. Who can apply for the competition?
Applications are open to registered Nigerian SMEs and Nigerian university students at undergraduate or postgraduate levels.
3. What types of ideas are eligible?
Eligible ideas include engineering, production, processing, and sustainability solutions that enhance the cassava value chain.
4. Can students and SMEs compete in the same category?
No. The competition has two distinct categories—one for SMEs and one for students.
5. Why is the competition focused on cassava?
Cassava is a staple crop in Nigeria, and improving its production and processing contributes to food security and sustainable agriculture.
6. Is there support for winners after the competition?
Yes. Winners may receive recognition, mentorship, and potential support to implement their ideas.
7. How does the prize contribute to sustainability?
The prize promotes innovative, practical solutions that enhance efficiency, environmental sustainability, and long-term growth in Nigeria’s food sector.
Conclusion
The FMN Prize for Innovation 2026 provides a platform for students and SMEs to showcase creative solutions that improve Nigeria’s cassava production and processing systems. By encouraging sustainability, innovation, and practical impact, the initiative contributes to strengthening Nigeria’s food value chain and promoting long-term agricultural development.
For more information, visit FMN.
