Mary-Brenda Akoda has made history as the first woman and first millennial to win the Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation (NPSI) as an individual recipient, emerging winner of the 2026 edition with her groundbreaking artificial intelligence innovation, GenScan AI (GenMRI/C-MORE).
Akoda’s achievement marks a significant milestone in the 22-year history of the Prize, which recognises outstanding scientific research and innovations capable of addressing critical challenges and delivering sustainable impact on society.
The 2026 winner was announced at the NPSI Press Conference in Lagos following a rigorous and independent evaluation by the Prize’s Panel of Judges, chaired by former minister Dr. Omobola Johnson, and subsequent endorsement by the NPSI Advisory Board.
GenScan AI emerged as the winning entry from a record 237 submissions received for the 2026 competition, the highest number of entries recorded since the Prize was established.
Akoda’s innovation is an artificial intelligence-powered MRI reconstruction technology designed to significantly reduce Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) acquisition time while maintaining or improving image quality.
Its C-MORE algorithm employs a one-step consistency-model framework to reconstruct MRI images and has the potential to reduce scan times by up to 90 per cent without requiring new MRI hardware.
The Judges adjudged GenScan AI to have demonstrated the strongest combination of scientific innovation, technical soundness, developmental impact and commercial scalability among the three shortlisted entries.
They particularly noted its potential to improve scanner utilisation, reduce patient waiting times and expand access to MRI services, making the technology especially relevant to healthcare systems operating in resource-constrained environments such as Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, Dr Sophia Horsfall, 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.
Chairman of the NPSI Advisory Board, Professor Barth Nnaji, 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 at The Grand Award Night scheduled for October 9, 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.
Her emergence as the 2026 NPSI laureate not only underscores the growing contribution of artificial intelligence to solving complex healthcare challenges but also represents a landmark moment for women in science, technology and innovation in Nigeria.
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.
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.