The RecycleUp Nigeria Innovation Program 2026 is now open for environmentally-conscious individuals and startups across Nigeria. The initiative seeks to turn waste management and circular economy efforts into sustainable business and community solutions. RecycleUp invites innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, students, and community organisations to submit ideas or projects that tackle waste, recycling, resource reuse, and sustainable practices — offering training, mentorship, and support to turn ideas into action.
Benefits for Startups
- Advanced training on circular-economy principles, sustainable waste management, and project implementation. Participants deepen their technical knowledge and project-management capacity.
- Access to learning resources and e-learning materials that support continuous learning and implementation.
- Opportunity to network and collaborate with industry professionals, policymakers, researchers, other innovators, and stakeholders across waste management, sustainability, and circular economy.
- A certificate of excellence upon successful completion — useful for credibility and future opportunities.
- Chance to ideate and develop business-ready solutions. Many participants may translate their project into real ventures addressing environmental challenges.
- Visibility and recognition: outstanding solutions and innovations may be showcased to a larger audience, giving increased exposure within the sustainability ecosystem.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in RecycleUp 2026 you must:
- Be a Nigerian citizen aged between 21 and 40 years.
- Have a genuine interest in circular economy, waste management, sustainability or related impact sectors (e.g. environment, recycling, waste-to-value, green solutions) and a desire to contribute to sustainable development in Nigeria.
- Be ready to commit at least 5 hours per week to engage with programme activities (training, virtual sessions, project work, collaboration) for the duration of the programme.
- Have access to a reliable internet connection and necessary devices — since some sessions and collaboration may be virtual.
The programme welcomes a wide range of participants: students, researchers, early-stage entrepreneurs, innovators, community organisations — anyone with a viable idea or project in circular economy or waste-management innovation.
Application Process
- Deadline: Applications close on 17 January 2026.
- Start date: Onboarding is scheduled for February 2026 for selected participants.
- How to apply: Interested individuals should complete the official application form via the provided link/form (Google form via the official RecycleUp application page).
- What to submit: You’ll likely need to provide: personal details, demonstration of interest in sustainability/circular economy, a summary of your idea or project (if available), and a commitment statement indicating willingness to engage weekly for the programme.
- Participation model: After selection, participants enter a structured 2026 cohort where they receive training, mentorship, and resources to develop and pilot circular-economy solutions.
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