How to Apply for the Youth and Students in Innovation Programme 2026
The Youth and Students in Innovation (YSI) Programme is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical technology and innovation skills while identifying emerging innovators and helping participants develop ideas and prototypes with potential economic value.
The programme focuses on technology, digital skills, emerging technologies, entrepreneurship and innovation, with opportunities for participants to gain practical skills, mentorship and exposure to innovation ecosystems.
Opportunity Snapshot
- Programme: Youth and Students in Innovation (YSI) Programme
- Location: Nigeria
- Eligibility: Young Nigerians and students interested in technology, innovation, digital skills, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies
- Focus Areas: Technology, Innovation, Digital Skills, Emerging Technologies, Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment
- Programme Format: Skills development, specialised innovation tracks, mentorship and innovation activities
What Is the Youth and Students in Innovatio Programme?
The Youth and Students in Innovation (YSI) Programme is an initiative focused on developing the technology and innovation skills of young Nigerians and students.
The programme aims to bridge the gap between academic research and market-ready enterprise by helping participants develop practical skills and explore technology-driven solutions with potential for job creation and economic impact.
Participants will also have opportunities to gain exposure to emerging technologies and connect with mentors within innovation ecosystems.
Is the YSI Programme Right for You?
You should consider applying if you:
- Are a young Nigerian interested in technology and innovation.
- Are a student interested in developing practical digital and technology skills.
- Want to learn about emerging technologies.
- Are interested in entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions.
- Have an interest in developing innovative ideas or prototypes.
- Want to connect with mentors and other young innovators.
- Want to explore opportunities in the technology and innovation ecosystem.
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You may not be a suitable applicant if you:
- Have no interest in technology, innovation, digital skills or entrepreneurship.
- Are not a Nigerian youth or student.
What Will You Learn From the Programme?
The YSI Programme is designed to provide practical exposure to technology and innovation through general courses and eight specialised innovation tracks.
The programme focuses on:
- Digital and technology skills
- Innovation
- Emerging technologies
- Entrepreneurship
- Technology-driven solutions
- Innovation and enterprise development
The programme also aims to expose participants to technologies shaping the future of work.
What Do You Get From the YSI Programme?
Practical Technology Skills
Participants can develop practical digital and technology skills through the programme’s courses and specialised innovation tracks.
Innovation Exposure
The programme provides exposure to emerging technologies and innovations.
Mentorship
Participants can connect with mentors and continue engaging with the innovation ecosystem through post-programme community activities.
Innovation and Economic Opportunities
The programme aims to help young people translate technology and innovation knowledge into employment and economic opportunities.
Youth Participation in Policy Discussions
The programme supports the development of a Youth Innovation Communiqué from each geopolitical zone, creating a platform for youth perspectives to contribute to national policy discussions.
What You Need Before Applying
Before starting your application, you should have:
- Your personal information.
- Information about your educational background, where applicable.
- A clear interest in technology, innovation, digital skills or entrepreneurship.
- Any information or documents requested on the official application portal.
Applicants should carefully review the requirements on the official application portal before submitting their applications.
How to Apply for the YSI Programme
To apply for the Youth and Students in Innovation (YSI) Programme:
- Visit the official YSI programme website.
- Read the available programme information and application requirements.
- Access the application portal.
- Provide the required information.
- Review your application details before submission.
- Submit the application through the designated application portal.
Interested and qualified candidates should apply using the link below:
Apply here
How to Make Your Application Stand Out
Applicants should ensure that their application clearly reflects their interest in technology, innovation, digital skills, entrepreneurship or emerging technologies.
If the application asks about your interests, ideas or previous experience, provide specific and truthful information rather than using general statements.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
- The programme is focused on young Nigerians and students interested in technology and innovation.
- The programme includes general courses and eight specialised innovation tracks.
- The programme covers technology, innovation, digital skills, emerging technologies and entrepreneurship.
- Mentorship is an important component of the programme.
- Applicants should use the official programme website and application portal for the latest application information.
- Review all application instructions carefully before submitting your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Youth and Students in Innovation Programme?
The Youth and Students in Innovation (YSI) Programme is designed to equip young Nigerians and students with practical technology and innovation skills and support emerging innovators.
Who can apply for the YSI Programme?
Young Nigerians and students interested in technology, innovation, digital skills, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies are encouraged to apply.
Where is the YSI Programme held?
The programme is designed for young Nigerians and students across Nigeria.
What areas does the YSI Programme focus on?
The programme focuses on technology, innovation, digital skills, emerging technologies, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
Does the YSI Programme provide mentorship?
Yes. Mentorship is one of the programme’s objectives, with participants connected to mentors and innovation ecosystems.
How many specialised innovation tracks are available?
The programme includes eight specialised innovation tracks, in addition to general courses.
How can I apply for the YSI Programme?
Applicants can access programme information and the application portal through the official YSI website.
Is the YSI Programme only for students?
The programme is designed for young Nigerians and students interested in technology, innovation, digital skills, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies.
Who Should Apply?
The YSI Programme is suitable for young Nigerians and students who want to build practical technology and innovation skills, explore emerging technologies, develop innovative ideas, connect with mentors and explore opportunities within the innovation ecosystem.
Conclusion
The Youth and Students in Innovation (YSI) Programme provides young Nigerians and students with opportunities to develop practical technology and innovation skills, gain exposure to emerging technologies, receive mentorship and explore pathways from innovation to economic opportunities.
Interested applicants should review the official programme information and complete the application through the designated application portal.
Idris Abdulazeez is a chief editor at Edulify, where he writes about scholarships, jobs, internships, and Nigerian education news. He is passionate about helping students and graduates discover valuable opportunities and useful information. Idris also engages with readers through comments and is available to connect via direct message.