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The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has partnered with AfriLabs to establish the NASENI Innovation Hub. This is a significant move to drive technological innovation and boost Nigeria’s economy. The initiative is a major step forward in supporting young innovators and startups. It will provide them with the resources needed to commercialize groundbreaking technologies and foster sustainable economic development.
The NASENI Innovation Hub will serve as a central platform for infrastructure and capacity building. It will also offer mentorship, and resources aimed at nurturing Nigerian entrepreneurs and startups. The hub is designed to foster creativity, drive industrialization, and enhance Nigeria’s standing in the global technology ecosystem. It will also provide acceleration support to transform ideas into scalable businesses. This effort will boost job creation, technological exports, and overall economic productivity. The hub will also focus on connecting innovators with key stakeholders through networking opportunities, enabling knowledge exchange and securing funding.
Partnership aligns with NASENI’s goal
This strategic partnership is aligned with NASENI’s goal to promote scientific and technological infrastructure that accelerates Nigeria’s industrialization. It also underscores NASENI’s dedication to developing market-ready products. This is in addition to facilitating collaboration between multiple sectors, meeting the nation’s increasing demand for innovative, technology-driven solutions.
AfriLabs is a leading Pan-African network supporting innovation hubs. The organisation is committed to building resilient ecosystems and expanding access to opportunities for African entrepreneurs. This collaboration with NASENI enhances AfriLabs’ mission of empowering tech-driven enterprises across the continent.
Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs, highlighted the significance of this initiative. “At AfriLabs, we are deeply committed to driving innovation and empowering Africa’s next generation of tech leaders. Our partnership with NASENI represents a significant step toward nurturing Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. Together, we are not just creating an Innovation Hub. We are building a pipeline for groundbreaking ideas that will shape Nigeria’s future industries and foster economic growth. We believe this collaboration will play a key role in scaling innovative solutions that address local challenges and have a global impact.”
Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, emphasized the agency’s vision. “At NASENI, we are committed to transforming Nigeria into a global leader in technology and industrialization. The establishment of this innovation hub marks a pivotal step in fostering homegrown solutions. It will help nurture local talent, and create a dynamic ecosystem that will drive sustainable development through science and engineering. We believe that by empowering innovators and providing the infrastructure they need, we can fast-track industrial growth and economic diversification for Nigeria’s future.”
Quick look at NASENI Innovation Hub
The NASENI Innovation Hub will launch several targeted initiatives to support different demographics and stimulate Nigeria’s economy.
- NASENI Reverse Japa Programme: Aimed at reversing brain drain, this program will encourage Nigerian researchers in top global universities to commercialize their innovations locally. Funds will be allocated for labs, prototype development, market entry, and other commercialization efforts.
- DeltHer Expansion Programme: Focused on empowering women in engineering, this initiative will provide training, resources, and mentorship to female engineers, with an emphasis on projects that drive technological innovation.
- FutureMakers by NASENI: A program designed to inspire young talent at the university and secondary school levels, encouraging a culture of innovation. Grants, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities will support young innovators.
- Placeholder Programme: This initiative targets innovators working on solutions for public sector challenges. It aims to address critical issues in government, such as defense and security, by supporting the development and testing of applicable innovations.
- NASENI Xceler8: Aimed at accelerating startups within Nigeria’s science, engineering, and manufacturing sectors, this program will offer resources, mentorship, and support for scaling innovative solutions.
By establishing the NASENI Innovation Hub, NASENI and AfriLabs are setting the stage for a thriving, self-sustaining innovation ecosystem that will drive Nigeria’s industrial and economic transformation for years to come.
