1. Who Can Apply  

• Tech Innovators:  Software developers, AI engineers, and data scientists.
• Designers:  UI/UX designers, industrial designers.
• Students & Graduates:  Those with knowledge or interest in smart manufacturing, IoT, robotics, or automation.
• Startup Founders & Entrepreneurs: Individuals or teams working on tech-driven solutions in the manufacturing space.  

2. Project/Idea Requirements  

• Must propose/have existing a tech-based or smart agent solution that supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Nigeria
• The proposed or existing solution should align with  one or more of the following:
  • Smart Sourcing (Smart agent/solution for material and vendor sourcing with costing and most preferred vendor recommendation)
  • Inventory management (Smart agent/solution for stock keeping, automate purchase requisition based on current stock level, production demand/forecast, and lead time with safety time)
  • Workflow automation 
  • AI or IoT-driven production (Smart agent/solution for real-time monitoring, efficient control of production process, failure diagnosis with symptom display and recommended quick and long-term fix)
  • Energy efficiency
  • Waste reduction
  • Cost reduction
  • Quality Control
  • Other similar projects within the defined scope.
• Must be original, innovative, and solvable within an SMEs context.
• Ideas should be scalable, with clear potential for impact and implementation.  

3. Focus  

• Sourcing Made Easy
• Optimising Production Processes
• Zero-Defect Manufacturing
• Waste Management and Accountability
• Improving Decision-Making
• Enhancing Sustainability  

4. Team Composition  

• Solo or team applications are allowed
• For team, all team members must effectively contribute to the project with responsibility clearly stated
• Multidisciplinary teams (tech + business + design) are strongly encouraged.  

5. Documentation Requirements  

Applicants must submit:  

• An entry video max. 3 minutes  

The entry content of the entry video should consist of the listed key points below.   

• Team introduction (Team name and team member)
• Business name (if any)
• Product/Solution introduction (problem statement being addressed and the proposed product/solution impact)
• Brief about the product/proposed solution
• Industrial and Economical impact
• Technological application
• Sustainability
• Personal or team profile (LinkedIn, portfolio, resume)
• Optional: link to previous work
• Valid means of identification  

6. Commitment  

• Must be available for mentorship
• Willing to participate in virtual sessions, weekly check-ins, and Demo Day.
• Must agree to the terms and timeline of the program.  

7. Evaluation Criteria  

Submissions will be judged based on:  

• Innovation & Originality
• Feasibility & Technical Strength
• Relevance to SMEs
• Scalability & Sustainability
• Clarity of Presentation  

8.    Winning Prize:  #2,000,000 (two million naira only)  

9. Entry Start Date: September 15, 2025        

     Entry Closure Date: October 6, 2025   
Apply now: https://wkf.ms/3JZpZYa