Women In Plastic
Innovation Challenge
(WiPIC)
30 Shortlisted Innovators. 6 Finalists. 1 Investor Deal Room.
Innovating the future. Circular by design.
Challenge Timeline
01
Application Deadline
15 August 2026
02
Virtual Pitch & Selection
August 2026 (still tentative)
03
Final Pitch & Deal Room
GS-26, 8–9 September 2026
Why this challenge
Women across Nigeria are already driving plastic recycling, upcycling, and waste-to-wealth work at the community level. WiPIC exists to put that leadership at the centre of the plastics story, both ends of it: keeping the plastic already in circulation in use longer, and reducing how much new plastic gets created in the first place.
The strongest women-led ventures will pitch live at the Gender and Inclusion Summit 2026 (GS-26), in front of the investors, policymakers, and partners best placed to help them scale.
What Makes This Different
- Every shortlisted innovator gets trained – all 30 receive live pitch-training, not just the finalists who advance.
- Two pillars, five tracks – circularity innovation and plastic-substitution innovation are both recognised and rewarded.
- A national stage – finalists pitch live at GS-26, one of Africa’s leading platforms on gender equality and inclusion.
- Direct investor access – finalists get face time with investors and partners at the Deal Room the day after their pitch.
- Priority pathways for innovations reaching women in marginalised communities, waste pickers, persons with disabilities, and youth.
Who Should Apply
Selection Process
- Submit your application before 15th August 2026.
- Screening narrows all applications to a shortlist of 30.
- Pitch training – all 30 receive live virtual pitch-skills training, then submit a video pitch.
- Top 12 selected –four innovators per track advance from video pitches.
- Top 6 finalists selected –two innovators per track advance via a pre-summit virtual pitch.
- Finalists pitch live at GS-26 and compete for the Deal Room.
Applications close 15 August 2026.
Enquiries: Esther, +234 813 296 4744.
