Ten (10) finalists will receive a range of prizes and strategic growth opportunities through NPI 4.0. The top three winners will be awarded funding to support the growth and scale of their businesses, with the first-place winner receiving US$100,000, the second-place winner receiving US$70,000, and the third-place winner receiving US$50,000. The funding will be structured as a 75:25 mix of equity investment and cash support in exchange for an equity stake in the business, which will be determined following a valuation process.

In addition to the main prizes, three finalists demonstrating exceptional social impact will receive the Cascador Impact Prize, with US$15,000 awarded to each recipient, bringing the total value of the prize to US$45,000. Two finalists will also receive the Wema Enterprise Award, valued at US$5,000 each.

Participating businesses will also have the opportunity to secure between US$500,000 and US$1.5 million in equity investment through the Pula Xcelerator, creating a pathway for high-potential ventures to accelerate commercial growth and regional expansion.

The investment programme is designed for mature companies with proven traction, demonstrated revenue generation of at least US$500,000, and solutions capable of scaling across emerging markets. Priority areas include climate resilience, food systems, digital public infrastructure (DPI), regtech, traceability systems, farmer and cooperative digitisation, insurance technology, reinsurance platforms, analytics, verification services, and agritech innovation.

Furthermore, all top ten finalists will participate in a fully sponsored training programme delivered in partnership with a leading institution, providing participants with strategic business support, leadership development, and capacity-building opportunities to help accelerate growth and long-term impact.

A fast-track accelerator programme has been developed and embedded in the competition to ensure all shortlisted participants benefit.

A database of participants will be maintained on the portal. Participants will be provided with access to industry information, funding opportunities, and program assistance. The intent is to build a strong alumni network to further drive the development of a viable and vibrant local ecosystem.

NSIA recognises the importance of patents and business solution protection. The unilateral agreements which all participants are required to sign, are designed to protect your intellectual property and serve to insulate your idea from theft.

Yes, previous applicants are welcome to re-apply, except for the top three (3) winners from NPI 1.0 and top ten (10) finalists from NPI 2.0 and 3.0 editions. Terms and conditions apply.

The programme rules allow for only one application per applicant. Subsequent applications will be disqualified.

Innovators who do not progress to the top ten (10) are encouraged to continue refining and strengthening their solutions. The programme provides feedback to applicants, offering insights that can support further development and improvement of their ideas. Participants are also encouraged to apply for future editions once they have iterated and enhanced their solutions, ensuring they are better positioned for selection and impact.