The National AI Research Grant Scheme (NAIRS), a programme initiated by the Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, has announced the names of 45 recipients who will receive up to ₦5 million each to support their AI research and application projects.
The recipients include individuals and organisations from various sectors and regions of the country who are at the forefront of AI innovation and impact. They were selected from over 300 applicants who submitted their proposals between October 13, 2023, and November 15, 2023.
The selection process involved a rigorous evaluation by 25 eminent AI specialists from around the world, who assessed the quality, feasibility, relevance, and potential of the proposals.
The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Bosun Tijani, congratulated the recipients and said that their projects tackled some of the country’s most pressing challenges, such as health, agriculture, education, finance, security, and environment. He expressed his confidence in the ability of the recipients to revolutionise industries, empower communities, unlock innovation, and ultimately propel Nigeria’s tech ecosystem onto the global stage.
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11 startups among the recipients to receive funding
Among the 45 recipients, 11 are startups that have developed or are developing AI solutions for various domains and markets. The startups are as follows:
Aurelius: an AI startup that provides a healthcare system for automated contouring in radiation therapy planning.
Cardio Intel: an AI-enabled healthcare mobile app that offers personalised monitoring and early detection of cardiovascular diseases.
Nurse Oge: an AI-powered healthcare model that enables patient monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment.
Tamela: an AI startup that develops and trains AI models for ultrasound imaging in pregnancy.
Quantum Innovative Tech Solutions Ltd: an AI-powered personal health management system that delivers real-time insights and anomaly detection.
Life-Elixir Computers: an AI startup that creates a region-specific AI algorithm for cancer diagnosis in medical image analysis.
Farmspeak Technology Limited: an AI platform that provides real-time insights to reduce poultry mortality rates and enhance climate resilience.
Gwin Technologies Limited: a smart mobile diagnostic tool that uses AI for animal health.
Edunetix: an AI technology that offers personalised education and career advice.
Lendsqr: an AI startup that applies AI and alternative data sources for quick and bias-free credit decisions.
IDB Analytics: an AI and geofencing technology that addresses security challenges in regions affected by conflicts.
The startups will receive funding from NAIRS to accelerate their research and development efforts, as well as to scale up their products and services.
NAIRS aims to foster a vibrant and sustainable AI ecosystem in Nigeria
NAIRS is a programme that aims to foster a vibrant and sustainable AI ecosystem in Nigeria by providing financial and technical support to AI researchers and startups and creating awareness and capacity-building for AI stakeholders.
The programme is part of the government’s vision to leverage AI as a key driver of economic growth, social development, and global competitiveness. The programme is also aligned with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, which outlines the strategic objectives and actions for transforming Nigeria into a leading digital economy.
NAIRS is expected to run for three years, with annual calls for proposals and grants. The programme is open to all Nigerian citizens and residents, as well as organisations registered in Nigeria. The programme encourages collaboration and diversity among the applicants and recipients, as well as the involvement of women and youths in AI.
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What are some other initiatives to promote AI in Nigeria?
There are several other initiatives to promote AI in Nigeria besides the National AI Research Grant Scheme (NAIRS). Some of them are:
Data Science Nigeria (DSN) is a non-profit organisation that aims to build a world-class AI hub and ecosystem in Nigeria by providing quality education, mentoring, research, and innovation opportunities for Nigerians. DSN organises boot camps, hackathons, competitions, and conferences to foster AI learning and development.
The AI Saturdays (AI6) is a global community of AI enthusiasts and learners who meet every Saturday to learn and share AI knowledge and skills. AI6 has chapters in several cities in Nigeria, such as Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt.
The AI+ Club is a network of campus-based communities that promote AI awareness and education among students and young professionals in Nigeria. The AI+ Club organises workshops, webinars, projects, and events to expose members to AI concepts and tools.
The AI Expo Africa is the largest business-focused AI event in Africa that showcases the latest AI innovations and solutions from African and global AI companies and organisations. The AI Expo Africa also features keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking sessions, and awards.
The AI Media Group is a media and information company that covers the AI landscape in Africa through its online platforms, such as AI TV, AI Podcast, and AI Magazine. The AI Media Group also hosts the AI Festival, an annual event that celebrates the achievements and potential of AI in Africa.