Segun Adeyanju
The Bart Nnaji Foundation has launched a ₦25 million innovation challenge aimed at developing safer methods for harvesting palm wine without climbing palm trees, in a move designed to modernise a long standing rural practice while preserving its cultural value.
The competition, known as the Bart Nnaji Innovation Challenge, invites students, engineers, researchers, NYSC members and independent innovators to design practical solutions that remove the need for harvesters to climb tall palm trees using ropes, pegs and improvised tools.
According to a statement issued by David Nwobodo on behalf of the foundation, the initiative is focused on addressing a critical safety issue in rural communities where palm wine tapping remains both economically important and physically risky.
The prize pool totals ₦25 million. The winner will receive ₦10 million while three other finalists will share ₦15 million. In addition to cash prizes, the foundation will provide prototype development support for the top three finalists to help them build and test their ideas. Travel assistance will also be provided for finalists attending the final pitch presentation.
The foundation explained that palm wine harvesting has supported rural livelihoods for generations, providing income for families, traders and small businesses and playing a key role in ceremonies and cultural gatherings. However, the traditional climbing method has led to frequent accidents and injuries, raising concerns about the long term sustainability of the practice.
It also noted that many experienced harvesters are ageing while fewer young people are willing to take on the physically demanding and dangerous work. This has created a gap that the foundation believes innovation can help solve through safer and more efficient harvesting systems.
Participants are expected to submit ideas that may include mechanical devices, automated systems, improved tools, locally sourced materials or any engineering based solution that reduces or eliminates the need for climbing. The foundation stressed that all submissions must be practical and capable of being tested in real rural environments.
The challenge is open to individuals and teams including undergraduate and postgraduate students, technicians, makers, researchers and entrepreneurs. Entries are expected to demonstrate creativity, feasibility and real world impact.
Professor Ifeabunike Joseph Dioha described the initiative as a timely intervention that connects science with everyday problems in local communities. He said the challenge encourages students to apply engineering knowledge to real life situations and develop solutions with direct social impact. He also confirmed that some of his postgraduate students are already participating.
The Bart Nnaji Foundation stated that the goal is not only to solve a technical problem but also to protect lives while strengthening rural enterprise and preserving the cultural importance of palm wine production.
Entries for the competition will close on 27 May 2026 after which shortlisted participants will proceed to prototype development and final pitching stages.
