Youth and Students in Innovation (YSI) 2026: Requirements & How to Apply
Youth and Students in Innovation (YSI) 2026: Requirements & How to Apply
The Youth and Students in Innovation (YSI) 2026 programme is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology designed to identify, train, mentor and support young Nigerians with an interest in technology, digital skills, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The programme provides an opportunity for eligible Nigerian students, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other young technology enthusiasts to develop practical skills that can improve their employability and prepare them for opportunities in the digital economy.
According to the programme information, YSI combines online learning with practical, in person activities. Participants are expected to complete foundational digital and employability courses before progressing to specialised innovation tracks and a zonal practical engagement.
The YSI 2026 application portal is open, and eligible applicants are encouraged to complete their registration with accurate personal information and the required supporting documents.
What Is the Youth and Students in Innovation Programme?
The Youth and Students in Innovation (is a youth focused technology and innovation initiative programme powered by Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
The initiative is intended to create a structured pathway through which young Nigerians can gain exposure to emerging technologies, strengthen their digital capabilities and connect with mentors and potential economic opportunities.
Rather than focusing only on theoretical learning, the programme is designed around a combination of digital education, specialised innovation tracks, practical assignments, mentorship, innovation challenges and post-programme opportunities.
The initiative also aims to help bridge the gap between ideas developed by young people and practical solutions that can potentially become sustainable projects, businesses or employment opportunities.
For students and young Nigerians interested in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, software development, data analytics, agritech, fintech, health technology and renewable energy, the programme provides an opportunity to explore relevant areas of the technology ecosystem.
YSI 2026 Programme Timeline
| Application Review | 18 September – 2 October 2026 |
| Orientation | 5 – 9 October 2026 |
| Virtual Learning | 12 – 30 October 2026 |
| Selection and Preparation | 2 – 13 November 2026 |
| In-Person Engagement | 16 – 18 November 2026 |
| Post-Programme Community | From 19 November 2026 |
YSI 2026 Application
The Youth and Students in Innovation 2026 application form requires applicants to provide personal and account information before proceeding to subsequent stages of the registration process.
The application interface includes sections covering personal information, profile details, documents and statements.
Applicants are expected to provide correct information such as:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Phone number
- Email address
- National Identification Number (NIN)
- Password and account information
- Educational information
- Supporting documents where required
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What Participants Can Gain from YSI 2026
The Youth and Students in Innovation programme is designed to provide participants with more than basic classroom training. Potential programme benefits include:
1. Digital Skills Development
Participants can develop practical digital and technology related skills that may be useful in education, employment, entrepreneurship and freelance work.
2. Mentorship
The programme provides opportunities for participants to interact with mentors and other people within the innovation ecosystem.
Mentorship can help young people understand how to develop ideas, improve projects and navigate career opportunities.
3. Certification
Successful participants can receive a certificate that verifies completion of the programme.
A certificate can complement an applicants CV, professional profile or portfolio.
4. Career and Employment Opportunities
The programme also seeks to connect participants with employment and other economic opportunities through its opportunity desk and post-programme community.
Participants should nevertheless understand that participation in a training programme does not automatically guarantee employment.
5. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Exposure
Young people with innovative ideas can gain exposure to the process of developing concepts into practical projects and potentially market-oriented solutions.
6. Networking
YSI can also provide opportunities for participants to interact with other students, corps members, young innovators, mentors and professionals.
Who Can Apply for YSI 2026?
The programme is targeted at young Nigerians who are interested in developing technology, digital and innovation related skills.
Based on the published eligibility information, applicants should meet the following requirements:
1. Nigerian Citizenship
The programme is designed for Nigerian citizens. Applicants should be prepared to provide valid identification or other information required to establish their identity.
2. Age Requirement
Applicants to eligible for the programme should be between the aged 18 and 35 years of age.
Anyone applying should ensure that their date of birth is correctly entered on the application form and supported by appropriate identification where necessary.
3. Students
The initiative is open to eligible students, including undergraduate students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
4. NYSC Corps Members
Serving NYSC corps members are also included among the target participants.
5. Technology and Innovation Enthusiasts
The programme also targets young people who are interested in technology even if their main academic discipline is not technology-related.
6. Valid Identification
Applicants should have valid identification, including a National Identification Number (NIN) or other acceptable identification as required by the application process.
7. Access to a Smartphone or Laptop
Applicants are expected to have access to a smartphone or laptop, particularly because a significant part of the programme is delivered online.
YSI 2026 Courses and Innovation Tracks
One of the important features of the Youth and Students in Innovation (YSI) programme is it focus on digital and emerging technology skills.
The programme information highlights several areas of innovation, including:
1. Artificial Intelligence and Software
Participants can gain exposure to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and software-related concepts.
AI is becoming increasingly relevant across different sectors, including education, finance, healthcare, agriculture, business and government services. Developing foundational knowledge in this area can help young people understand how emerging technologies are being used to solve practical problems.
2. Data Analytics
Data analytics is another area covered by the programme.
Participants can be introduced to ways of understanding, analysing and using information to support decision-making. Data-related skills are increasingly relevant to businesses, organisations and professionals across different industries.
3. Agritech
Agriculture remains an important sector of the Nigerian economy, and technology is creating new ways to improve agricultural production, distribution, financial access and market connections.
4. Fintech
The fintech sector has transformed the way many people access financial services.
Participants interested in financial technology can explore how digital solutions are being developed to improve payments, financial inclusion and other financial services.
5. HealthTech
The HealthTech area provides an opportunity for participants to learn about technology-driven approaches that can contribute to healthcare solutions and service delivery.
6. Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is another area of interest within the programme.
With growing demand for alternative and sustainable energy solutions, young innovators can explore technology and ideas related to clean energy and energy access.
General Courses for YSI Participants
In addition to specialised areas, participants are expected to complete foundational courses designed to provide essential digital and professional competencies.
1. Digital and AI Literacy
This component introduces participants to digital workplace tools, internet safety and basic artificial intelligence concepts.
2. Employability Skills
The programme also places emphasis on employment-related competencies.
Participants may receive guidance covering areas such as:
- CV preparation
- Interview preparation
- Professional conduct
- Workplace ethics
- Leadership
- Communication
- Career readiness
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How the YSI 2026 Programme Works
The programme follows a structured journey that moves participants from application and screening to learning, practical engagement and post-programme support.
Stage 1: Application
Interested applicants first create an account and submit the required information through the YSI application platform.
Stage 2: Verification and Screening
Submitted applications are reviewed and screened.
Stage 3: Orientation
Successful applicants are expected to participate in an orientation programme.
Stage 4: Virtual Learning
The programme includes a three-week virtual learning phase.
Participants complete general courses together with introductory content related to their selected innovation track.
Assignments and quizzes form part of the online learning process, and participation during this stage is important for progression to the next phase.
Stage 5: Selection for Physical Engagement
After the virtual learning component, participant engagement and performance are assessed.
Eligible participants may then be selected for the practical, in person stage.
Stage 6: Three Day Physical Engagement
The programme includes a three-day physical engagement organised around Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
The practical phase is expected to include hands-on activities, mentoring, innovation challenges and project development.
Participants may have the opportunity to interact directly with mentors and other young innovators during this stage.
Stage 7: Graduation and Post-Programme Opportunities
Participants who successfully complete the programme can receive a certificate of completion.
The programme also provides for continued engagement through an alumni community, mentorship opportunities and an opportunity desk.
Documents and Information Required for YSI Application
Applicants should prepare their relevant information before starting the application.
Depending on the stage of the application, applicants may be asked to provide information or documents such as:
- NIN or valid identification
- Educational credentials
- School-related documents
- NYSC documents for corps members
- Personal contact information
- Date of birth information
- Other supporting documents requested by the portal
Applicants should upload clear and valid documents where required.
How to Apply for YSI 2026
Interested and eligible Nigerians can apply through the official Youth and Students in Innovation application portal.
To apply, applicants should generally follow these steps:
- Visit the official YSI application portal via ysi.scienceandtech.gov.ng/
- Select the application or registration option.
- Create an account using your real personal information.
- Enter your full name, date of birth, phone number and other required details.
- Provide your NIN and identification information where requested.
- Enter and confirm your email address.
- Create a secure password.
- Complete the profile section.
- Provide your educational information.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Select an appropriate innovation track where applicable.
- Complete any required pre-test or assessment.
- Review your information carefully.
- Submit the application.
- Keep your login details safe and regularly check your account and email for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions About YSI 2026
1. Is the YSI 2026 application free?
Applicants should rely on the official application portal for the current application instructions and any applicable requirements. Do not pay unofficial agents simply to submit an application on your behalf.
2. Who is eligible for YSI 2026?
The programme is designed for Nigerian citizens aged 18 to 35, particularly students, NYSC corps members, technology enthusiasts and aspiring innovators who meet the stated requirements.
3. Do I need an NIN to apply for YSI?
The application requires NIN information or valid identification as part of the personal and identity details requested from applicants.
4. Can NYSC corps members apply?
Yes. Serving NYSC corps members are included among the target participants for the initiative, subject to the programme’s eligibility requirements.
5. Is YSI only for computer science students?
No. The programme targets students and young people interested in technology and innovation across different backgrounds. Its areas include AI and software, data analytics, Agritech, Fintech, HealthTech and renewable energy.
6. How long does the YSI training last?
The programme information indicates a three-week virtual learning phase, followed by a three-day physical engagement for selected participants.
7. Will participants receive a certificate?
Participants who successfully complete the required programme stages are expected to receive a certificate of completion with verification features.
8. Does applying guarantee selection?
No. Submitting an application does not necessarily mean that an applicant will be selected. Applications are subject to screening, verification and other programme requirements.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR YSI PROGRAMME
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