Flour Mills Of Nigeria (FMN) Prize for Innovation 5.0 Program 2026 Edition

Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Plc has officially launched the FMN Prize for Innovation 5.0 (2026 Edition). It is a program For visionary founders and student innovators in Nigeria, the opportunity to turn a “groundbreaking idea” into a scalable agribusiness venture

Since its inception in 2021, this prize has been a catalyst for transformation within Nigeria’s food system. This year, the focus is squarely on solving a major economic paradox: Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of cassava, yet it remains heavily reliant on imported cassava derivatives for industrial use.

The FMN Prize for Innovation 5.0 is an annual social impact initiative designed to foster inventive thinking and technical excellence in Nigeria’s food and agro-allied sectors. The 2026 theme, “Innovative Practices in Cassava Production and Processing,” aims to bridge the gap between rural farming and industrial-scale manufacturing. By supporting local content development, FMN seeks to empower entrepreneurs who can unlock the full potential of the cassava value chain.

Program Details

The program is structured as a competitive challenge that moves beyond simple cash rewards. It combines financial backing with high-level corporate mentorship and industry networking. For 2026, the program has been designated as an “industrial priority,” meaning winners gain a rare level of access to FMN’s vast operational ecosystem to help their solutions reach commercial viability.

Focus Areas

Your application should address one or more of the following critical areas within the cassava sector:

• Yield Optimization: Improved farming techniques or biotechnology to boost productivity.
• Efficient Processing: Innovations in mechanization and processing technologies to reduce manual labor and energy costs.
• Post-Harvest Management: Solutions focused on reducing loss and extending shelf life.
• Value Addition: Developing industrial derivatives (starch, flour, ethanol) to replace imports.
• Technological Integration: Utilizing AI, automation, or digitization to optimize the supply chain.

Eligibility Criteria

The competition is split into two distinct categories to ensure a level playing field for both established businesses and academic thinkers:

1. SME Category: * Must be a registered Nigerian Micro, Small, or Medium Enterprise (MSME).
   • Must operate within the food and agro-allied sector.
   • Must have a functional solution or prototype related to cassava.
2. Student Category:
   • Must be an undergraduate or postgraduate student currently enrolled in a recognized Nigerian tertiary institution.
   • Must propose a research-backed or innovative idea to transform cassava production or processing.

General Requirements:

• Applicants must be Nigerian residents aged 18 or above.
• Only one entry per person/business is allowed.
• Employees of FMN and their families are ineligible to apply.

Key Benefits of FMN Prize for Innovation

The 2026 edition features a total prize pool of over ₦11.5 Million, distributed as follows:

Category	1st Prize	2nd Prize	3rd Prize
SME Category	₦5,000,000	₦3,000,000	₦2,000,000
Student Category	₦300,000	₦200,000	₦100,000

Note: Some secondary sources suggest slightly higher student rewards; however, the structured mentorship and industry exposure are consistently valued at millions of Naira in institutional support.

Application Details

The application window is currently open, and because of the high volume of entries expected, early submission is highly recommended.

• Application Link: FMN Prize for Innovation
• Application Opens: February 12, 2026.
• Application Deadline: March 16, 2026.
• Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a live pitch session before a panel of industry judges.

For registered Nigerian SMEs in the Food and Agro-Aillied SectorRegister

For students with innovative ideas to transform liivestock farmnig in Nigeria.Register

The Deadline for application is 12th February, 2025

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