RismadarVoice Reporters
October 26, 2026
Nollywood actor Emeka Ike has been announced as the host of the third edition of the National Automation Prize (NAP 2026), an engineering and technology competition offering more than ₦50 million in prizes, equipment, training and development opportunities.
The competition, organised by Advanxis Technologies & Process Automation Limited, aims to promote Nigerian innovation in automation, artificial intelligence, robotics and industrial technology.
With the theme, “Build for Nigeria. Automate for Scale. Compete with the World,” the 2026 edition will focus on practical solutions to challenges in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, water management, security and public infrastructure.
Announcing Ike’s involvement, the organisers said the actor’s participation would help attract wider public attention to engineering innovation and encourage young Nigerians to pursue careers in science and technology.
Ike, who described himself as an engineer by training and an actor by profession, expressed enthusiasm about using his entertainment career to promote Nigerian technological talent.
He said engineers, inventors and technology developers deserved greater national recognition for their contributions to economic growth and industrial development.
Managing Director of Advanxis Technologies, Engr. Anthony James, described the competition as a platform for discovering and supporting promising engineering talent.
According to James, combining entertainment with practical engineering challenges could help connect innovators with manufacturers, investors, educational institutions and industry leaders.
The competition features two categories: individual innovators and teams representing eligible higher institutions.
Under the published prize structure, the individual winner will receive ₦10 million, while the first and second runners-up will receive ₦5 million and ₦2.5 million, respectively.
The institutional category offers a ₦20 million package for the winner, comprising ₦10 million in cash and ₦10 million worth of industrial training equipment.
The first and second runners-up will receive technology and training packages valued at ₦10 million and ₦5 million, respectively.
Beyond the awards, organisers said participants would have opportunities for mentorship, technical development and connections with potential industry partners.
The competition is expected to progress through state-level assessments, regional events in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja, and a national grand finale scheduled for December in Lagos.
Previous editions held in 2024 and 2025 focused on practical industrial automation and rewarded participants for their technical abilities.
Advanxis said the expanded 2026 edition would encourage innovations capable of moving beyond prototypes into commercially viable Nigerian-made products.
Plans to broadcast the competition on national and cable television platforms are also being explored, although final broadcast arrangements have not been announced.
