Call For Applications: Africa Deep Tech Challenge 2026 – The Laptop LLM

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Applications are now open for the Africa Deep Tech Challenge 2026 – The Laptop LLM Challenge, an innovation competition designed to support early-stage teams building artificial intelligence solutions that can run efficiently on everyday laptops and other re

Hosted by Wicked Innovation Labs in collaboration with the Africa Deep Tech Foundation, the challenge seeks innovative solutions that address Africa’s infrastructure challenges through offline AI, edge computing, and efficient machine learning models.

Competition Benefits

Participants will compete for a total prize pool of up to $20,000, including:

• 1st Prize: $8,000
• 2nd Prize: $5,000
• 3rd Prize: $3,000
• IHS Challenge Prize: $4,000

In addition to cash prizes, selected teams will receive:

• Cloud computing credits
• Raspberry Pi development kits
• Mentorship from industry experts
• Incubation support
• Access to investors and potential funding opportunities.

Who Can Apply?

• Emerging innovators
• Early-stage startup teams
• AI developers
• Software engineers
• Technologists
• Designers
• Creators
• Researchers
• Problem-solvers building solutions for African markets.

Challenge Focus

Participants are expected to build a working prototype that solves a real-world problem using re

• Offline AI applications
• Laptop-based Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Small language models
• Edge AI solutions
• Low-power computing applications
• AI systems that function without continuous internet access
• Small-data machine learning solutions.

Solutions should be capable of running efficiently on standard laptops or low-re

Submission Requirements

Applicants will be required to submit:

• A functional prototype or working demonstration
• A comprehensive project report explaining:
  • The problem being solved
  • Design decisions
  • Technical constraints
  • Tools used
  • Performance testing
  • Screenshots or demonstrations
• A short video (maximum two minutes) explaining the solution and development journey.

Teams advancing to later stages may be required to submit updated documentation and demonstration videos.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on:

• Technical Implementation (30%) – Performance in resource-constrained environments
• Creative Problem Solving (30%) – Originality and innovation
• Process Documentation (20%) – Quality of technical documentation
• Tool Orchestration (10%) – Effective use of AI tools and technologies
• Usability and Relevance (10%) – Practical value and impact within African contexts.

Why This Matters

Many AI solutions require expensive hardware and constant internet connectivity. The Africa Deep Tech Challenge encourages innovators to develop efficient AI systems that can operate on affordable devices, making advanced technology more accessible across Africa.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Interested innovators can learn more and submit their applications through the official Africa Deep Tech Challenge website

Call For Applications: Life Baker Rising Stars Academic Competition 2026 (Up to ₦20 Million in Scholarships)

Lagride Empowers Lagos Residents With Vehicles Under Drive-to-Own Scheme

Call for Applications: President Tinubu Engineering Mentorship Program 2026 (Monthly Stipends, Hands-on Training & Certification)

TheFederal Ministry of Workshas extended applications for thePresident Tinubu Engineering Mentorship Programme 2026, a nationwide initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerian engineers and skilled artisans with practical industry experience, professional mentorship, and modern construction skills.

The program will provide structured field training and mentorship to participants across projects in Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, while supporting infrastructure development and creating employment opportunities for young professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

Graduate Engineers

• Be Nigerian citizens aged 18–35 years
• Hold a Degree or HND in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline from a recognized institution
• Be unemployed and not engaged in government service or any full-time employment
• Provide evidence of NYSC completion, exemption, or exclusion
• Reside in, or be willing to work in, any Local Government Area where the Ministry has projects
• Possess basic computer literacy (knowledge of engineering software is an added advantage)
• Be willing to participate fully in field training modules

Skilled Artisans

• Be Nigerian citizens aged 18–45 years
• Possess vocational training, trade test certificates, or verifiable practical experience
• Be unemployed at the time of application
• Be physically fit for construction-related field work
• Be willing to undergo additional training, safety certification, and supervised project attachment

Program Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Monthly stipends
• Hands-on practical training
• Structured field mentorship
• Basic safety equipment
• Certificate of completion
• Priority consideration for future engagements

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic certificates
• NYSC Certificate (or exemption/exclusion letter)
• Passport photograph
• Valid means of identification
• Local Government Area (LGA) Certificate of Origin

• CV or competency summary
• Trade test certificate or proof of practical experience
• Passport photograph
• Valid means of identification
• LGA Certificate of Origin

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants should submit their applications and required documents through the Ministry’s official email:

Applicants can also complete the official application form here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd51astfwhkZRwb8ie_GRfefJioSkczQ-cc_w2-fjztUJkXuA/viewform

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for verification and orientation.

Call for Applications: CIPM Essay Competition 2026 for Nigerian Undergraduates ( ₦750,000 Prize Pool)

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has opened applications for its 2026 Annual Essay Competition, giving Nigerian undergraduates the opportunity to win a share of a ₦750,000 prize pool, gain national recognition, and connect with leading HR professionals.

The competition encourages students to showcase their critical thinking and research skills while addressing key issues affecting education and the future of work in Nigeria.

Essay Topic
Are Nigerian Tertiary Institutions Truly Preparing Students for the World of Work?

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be full-time undergraduate students in a recognized Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college of education

• Be currently studying in Nigeria

• Not have won the competition previously

Essay Guidelines

• Maximum of 3,000 words

• Times New Roman, 12pt font

• Double line spacing

• APA 6th or 7th edition referencing style

• Submit in Microsoft Word format

• Essays must be original. Plagiarism will result in disqualification.

Prizes

• 1st Prize: ₦300,000 + Two HRM books

• 2nd Prize: ₦250,000 + Two HRM books

• 3rd Prize: ₦200,000 + Two HRM books

Additional Benefits

• All-expense-paid trip to the CIPM International Conference in Abuja

• Free CIPM student membership

• HRM books

• Networking opportunities with top employers and HR professionals

Required Documents

• Valid student ID

• Admission letter

• Recent passport photograph

• Current phone number

• Active email address

Applicants should compile their essay and all required documents into a single Microsoft Word document and submit it

Application Deadline:31 July 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications are now open for the Life Baker Rising Stars Academic Competition 2026, a free academic competition that gives outstanding students the opportunity to win scholarships worth up to ₦20 million in academic value.

Organised by the Life Baker Group of Schools, the competition is open to eligible students from schools across Nigeria and is designed to identify and reward academic excellence through a fair, computer-based assessment. Registration is completely free.

Competition Benefits

Successful participants stand to receive:

• Scholarships worth up to ₦20 million in total academic value
• Grand Scholarship covering tuition at Life Baker Group of Schools until graduation
• Merit scholarships for outstanding performers
• Recognition awards and certificates
• Access to preparation resources through the Life Baker Online School.

Note: The scholarships are awarded as academic value only within the Life Baker Group of Schools. They are not cash prizes and cannot be transferred or exchanged for cash.

Who Can Apply?

The competition is open to students who are currently in:

• Basic 6 (Primary 6)
• JSS1
• JSS2
• SS1

Applicants may come from any school, including external schools. Current Life Baker secondary school students are not eligible for scholarship prizes in this edition.

Competition Categories

Participants will compete in one of the following categories:

• Junior Rising Star – Students progressing from Basic 6 to JSS1
• Intermediate Rising Star – Students progressing from JSS1 or JSS2
• Senior Rising Star – Students progressing from SS1 to SS2.

Assessment Areas

The CBT-based competition will test participants in:

• English Comprehension
• Mathematics
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning
• Basic Science
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Speed and Accuracy.

Selection Process

The competition follows these stages:

1. Free online registration
2. Registration review
3. Approval of eligible participants
4. Access to preparation resources
5. Computer-Based Test (CBT)
6. Same-day release of results
7. Winner verification and announcement
8. Scholarship award presentation.

Why This Matters

The Rising Stars Academic Competition provides talented students with an opportunity to earn long-term educational support based on merit. Beyond rewarding academic excellence, it encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and healthy academic competition among young learners.

Application Deadline

Entries are currently open. Interested parents and guardians should register eligible students through the official competition portal before registration closes.

How To Apply

Interested parents or guardians can register eligible students through the official competition page

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