Where grassroots innovation meets global impact
The Commonwealth NextGen Innovation Challenge connects bold thinkers, grassroots entrepreneurs and community leaders across all 56 Commonwealth nations with the funding, mentorship and global platform needed to scale their ideas.
- Commonwealth Secretariat
- NBTI Nigeria
- CBWN
- NextGen Secretariat
One engine for innovation across the Commonwealth
Powered by CBWN in strategic partnership with the CIN and NBTI, the NextGen Innovation Challenge is the most ambitious grassroots innovation programme the Commonwealth has ever seen. We believe transformative ideas exist in every community across our 56 member states. This programme exists to find them, develop them, and take them to the world.
Pan Commonwealth reach
Every member state eligible, regardless of geography or resources.
Full incubation pipeline
Structured support from discovery to commercialization.
Inclusive by design
At least half of all places reserved for women and youth.
Multilingual access
Materials and mentorship in multiple Commonwealth languages.
Key dates
Mark these in your calendar. Dates are confirmed here as soon as they are set.
- Open nowApplications open
- TBCApplications close
- TBCShortlist announced
- TBCIncubation begins
- TBCGrand Finals
I am
You have an original idea that solves a real problem where you live. We will give you the mentors, training and investment to take it further.
See how to apply- Any sector, any stage
- Half of places for women and youth
- No patent or prototype needed
Apply in three steps
Have these ready before you start.
- 1
Check you qualify
Commonwealth citizen or resident, an original idea, a real need, and concept to early commercial stage.
- 2
Describe your idea
The problem, your solution, who it helps and where you are today.
- 3
Hear back
Every applicant receives a decision. Shortlisted innovators move into phase two.
Every sector. Every stage.
From a concept on paper to an early commercial product. Choose the sector closest to your idea when you apply.
- Agritech
- Fintech
- Health
- Education
- Climate
- Creative
Five regions. 56 nations.
- Africa
- 21
- Asia
- 8
- Caribbean and Americas
- 13
- Europe
- 3
- Pacific
- 11
Four phases. One pipeline.
- 01
Discovery and selection
Open applications, regional judging and a global shortlist.
- 02
Development and incubation
Six months of expert mentors, business workshops and technical training.
- 03
Showcase and grand finals
Pitch to investors, government officials and Commonwealth leaders.
- 04
Scale up and commercialization
Direct investment, market access and an alumni network.
Innovator stories
“[Quote about what the programme made possible]”
“[Short quote]”
[Name][Country]
“[Short quote]”
[Name][Country]
Projected impact
Six questions. One minute.
Answer yes to the first four and you are ready to apply. Climate in Kenya, health tech in Bangladesh, fintech in Trinidad, agri innovation in Australia: all welcome.
Quick answers
Who can apply?
Citizens and residents of any of the 56 Commonwealth member states.
Do I need a prototype?
No. Concept stage ideas are welcome, and no patent is required.
Which sectors are eligible?
All of them, from agritech and fintech to health, education, climate and creative industries.
Are places reserved?
At least half of all places are reserved for women and applicants aged 18 to 35.
Which languages?
Materials, mentorship and support are available in multiple Commonwealth languages.