By Paul Williams
The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation (NPSI) named Mary-Brenda Akoda as the winner of its 2026 prize for her groundbreaking innovation, GenScan AI (GenMRI/C-MORE), an artificial-intelligence-powered solution that accelerates Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Akoda becomes the first millennial and first woman to win the prize as an individual recipient, marking a significant milestone in the prize’s history.
The winner was announced at the 2026 press conference for the Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation in Lagos, after a rigorous, independent evaluation by the panel of judges and endorsement by the NPSI Advisory Board.
Following the unanimous recommendation by the Dr Omobola Johnson-led panel of judges, and the approval of the NPSI Advisory Board, GenScan AI was selected as the winning work from a record 237 entries submitted in the 2026 cycle, the highest number of entries ever received since the competition began.
Akoda’s GenScan AI presents an AI-powered MRI reconstruction technology designed to significantly reduce MRI acquisition time while maintaining or improving image quality.
Its C-MORE algorithm uses a one-step consistency-model framework to reconstruct MRI images, with the work reported to have the potential to reduce scan times by up to 90 per cent without requiring new MRI hardware.
The innovation was adjudged to have the strongest combination of scientific innovation, technical soundness, developmental impact and commercial scalability potential among the three shortlisted entries.
The judges noted that its ability to improve scanner utilisation, reduce patient waiting time and potentially expand access to MRI services makes it particularly relevant to healthcare systems in resource-constrained environments such as Nigeria.
Dr Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, said the return of a winner after the prize recorded a “no winner” verdict in 2025 demonstrates that the standards of the prize remain uncompromising while reflecting the quality and potential of Nigerian science and innovation.
She said the 2026 competition, which retained the theme “Innovations in Artificial Intelligence, ICT and Digital Technologies for Development”, attracted 237 entries, the highest number recorded since the inception of the prize.
“If an entry is declared worthy of the prize today, we can be confident that it has earned that distinction through a thorough and credible evaluation process,” she said, commending the Advisory Board and panel of judges for their professionalism, independence and integrity throughout the adjudication process.
Professor Barth Nnaji, Chairman of the NPSI Advisory Board, said the unanimous decision to recognise GenScan AI reflects the quality of the innovation and its potential to address important healthcare challenges.
He noted that the rigorous evaluation process was designed to identify work that goes beyond scientific novelty to demonstrate practical relevance, measurable impact and prospects for real-world application.
According to him, GenScan AI stood out for combining advanced artificial intelligence with a practical healthcare application that could improve the efficiency and accessibility of medical imaging.
The 2026 outcome marks the 12th time a winning work has been recognised in the 22-year history of the prize, now rebranded as The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation. Akoda will receive the US$100,000 prize award at the Grand Award Night scheduled for 9 October 2026.
A first-class graduate of Computer Science from Goldsmiths, University of London, Akoda holds a Master of Research with Distinction in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from Imperial College London, where she was a Google DeepMind Scholar.
She has also worked as a software engineer and AI research scientist at Microsoft, including with the Microsoft Mixed Reality and AI Research Lab in Cambridge.
NLNG congratulated Akoda and all participants in the 2026 competition, noting that every submission contributes to strengthening Nigeria’s scientific and innovation ecosystem.
The company also appreciated the Nigerian media for its continued partnership in amplifying stories of scientific excellence and encouraging greater interest in solutions to national challenges.
NLNG’s Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, noted that the Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation remains one of NLNG’s flagship initiatives for promoting excellence in scientific research and innovation, with the ambition of encouraging solutions that can deliver meaningful and sustainable impact on society.
