Call for Entries

The Bart Nnaji Engineering Innovation Competition 2026

Bringing Palm Wine Tapping into the Modern Era

Safe Lift. Maximum Yield.

Can you engineer the future? The Bart Nnaji Innovation Challenge is calling on bold thinkers, builders,and innovators to design a safer, smarter way to harvest palm wine without climbing trees. Stand a chance to win the ₦10 million grand prize.

Apply Now

Portal Closes: May 27, 2026

Final Pitch Defense: June 18, 2026

Bart Nnaji Engineering Innovation Competition Flier

Watch Explainer

See the Innovation Challenge in Action

Watch the official explainer video to understand the challenge, the problem it seeks to solve, and how your idea can help make palm wine harvesting safer, smarter, and more scalable.

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The Challenge

Engineering a safer future for palm wine harvesting

Palm wine is a highly nutritious and commercially valuable product, both locally and internationally. Yet the traditional method of harvesting it depends on manual climbing that is dangerous, exhausting, and increasingly unsustainable.

With the aging population of skilled tappers phasing out, the industry faces a serious continuity challenge. Younger generations are understandably hesitant to adopt a process defined by physical risk.

This competition invites Nigeria’s brightest engineering minds to introduce a practical intervention through technology and design.

The Objective

Participants are required to design and fabricate a Safe Mechanical Palm Wine Harvesting System under one of two solution categories:

Mechanical Human Lift

A lifting system that safely elevates the operator with absolute user protection and structural stability.

Ground-Operated Automated System

A remotely or mechanically operated solution that eliminates climbing risk and enables efficient harvesting from the ground.

Technical Design Specifications

Every solution must demonstrate strong practical relevance, safety logic, and clear commercial viability.

Absolute Safety

Failsafe harness systems for lifts, or zero-danger operating logic for automated solutions.

Off-Grid Power

Must be mechanically driven, hydraulically powered, or battery operated.

Portability

Lightweight enough for single-person transport across rural and dense terrain.

Vertical Reach

Must scale effectively to the height of mature palm trees.

Affordability

Cost-effective enough for practical adoption and deployment in local communities.

Local Content

Strong use of locally sourced materials and fabricated parts for grassroots commercial viability.

Who Can Apply

Individuals or teams with innovative ideas are welcome to apply.

Whether you are building alone or working with a team, this competition is open to practical thinkers, creators, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers with ideas that can make palm wine harvesting safer, smarter, and more scalable.

Evaluation Criteria

Safety & Structural Integrity

Zero compromise on user protection, stability, and operating confidence.

Affordability & Commercial Viability

Scalable manufacturing cost suitable for grassroots deployment.

Ease of Use & Flexibility

Straightforward operation requiring minimal technical training.

Local Content & Portability

High utilization of local materials and ease of deployment in dense bush terrain.

Competition Timeline

Phase 1

Call for Proposals (Online Portal) | April 27 - May 27

Phase 2

Technical Review & Collation | May 29 - June 10

Phase 3

Announcement of Top 3 Finalists | June 11

Phase 4

Final Pitch Defense (Aba/Enugu) | June 18

Phase 5

Invitation of Finalists Unveiling | July 17

Phase 6

Prototype Build and Announcement of Winner | July - October 2026

Can You Engineer the Future?

Join a national movement to transform tradition through innovation and develop a practical engineering solution for a safer, scalable, and more profitable palm wine harvesting industry.

Apply Now