In the dynamic landscape of Nigeria’s pursuit of innovation and economic growth, the TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFair), in collaboration with Innov8, has emerged as a beacon of transformation.
The recent TETFAIR Showcase and Innovation pitching event marked a pivotal moment as 71 bright minds from universities across Nigeria unveiled their inventive creations after a rigorous year-long journey at the Innov8 hub in Abuja.
Read also: Kenya, ITU to establish Global Innovation Center in Nairobi
Fostering Synergy: TETFund and Innov8’s Vision for Transformative Ideas
In the words of William Ralph Brody, the erudite American scientist, “The calculus of Innovation is really simple: Knowledge drives innovation, Innovation drives productivity, and Productivity drives economic growth.” This philosophy resonates in the collaborative efforts of TETFund and Innov8. The TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFair) stands as a testament to their vision, creating a platform for gifted individuals and organizations to translate their ideas into tangible inventions and, ultimately, into flourishing enterprises.
Architect Sonny S.T. Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, emphasized the importance of creating an environment that nurtures research and development. “In our bid to promote the institutionalization of R&D, we have sought effective support for impactful research and innovation through partnerships between tertiary institutions, research institutes, industry, and government as a national response towards technological revolution, human capital development, and sustainable economic competitiveness.”
From Prototype to Presentation: The Class of 71 Unveils Innovations
On December 7th, 2023, the culmination of a year-long boot camp was unveiled at the Innov8 Centre in Abuja. The TETFAIR Showcase and Innovation Pitching event attracted government dignitaries, military leaders, and stakeholders in the education sector. Minister of Labour and Employment, Chief Simon Bako Lalong, commended the initiative, noting that the Fair has become a vital platform for academics and researchers to transform their ideas into concrete solutions.
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, highlighted the significant strides Nigerian researchers have made in various fields. He emphasized the need to protect the intellectual property of these researchers to ensure the nation benefits fully from their contributions. The event showcased 71 inventions spanning agriculture, medicine, textile, environment-friendly cooking systems, energy, and automobile technology.
Nigeria Awards 45 AI Researchers and Startups with ₦5 Million Grants
Impact Beyond Borders: TETFair’s Role in Global Innovation
Team 12, responding to the global challenge of hearing loss, presented the “Chord Hearing Aid,” a self-programmable and affordable hearing-assist tailored for the African market. This invention not only addresses a critical health issue but also holds immense foreign exchange potential. The collaborative spirit extended beyond the event, with innovations attracting interest from various sectors, including a promising encounter between a government official and a team that developed a cost-effective paint thickener made with locally sourced bamboo cellulose.
Alhadji Abubakar Kollere, Director of Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), recognized the potential of the invention and offered to arrange an event for the inventors to showcase their product to paint manufacturers and construction industry experts. This interaction exemplifies the real-world impact that TETFAIR aims to achieve – connecting innovators with mentors, investors, and industries.
Towards a Knowledge-Driven Future: TETFAIR’s Continuing Impact
As TETFAIR gears up for its second season, the collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 holds the promise of even more significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic and technological advancement. The call for government support and engagement with Innov8’s offerings underscores the importance of creating an environment where ideas can thrive. As Steven Berlin Johnson aptly puts it, “If you look at history, innovation doesn’t come just from giving people incentives; it comes from creating environments where their ideas can connect.” TETFAIR is not just a showcase of inventions; it’s a journey towards fostering an innovation ecosystem that propels Nigeria into the knowledge-driven 4th Industrial Revolution.