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An August (or Gust) of Innovation

August at Innov8 Hub was more than just another month on the calendar—it was a powerful gust of innovation that swept through our initiatives, activities, and collaborations. The 8th month of the year became a whirlwind of progress, pushing us forward in our mission to drive transformative change. Here’s a look at how we turned August into a collage of unforgettable memories and milestones at Innov8 Hub.

TETFAIR 4 Bootcamp: Igniting Innovation in Nigerian Academia

We kicked off August with a surge of creativity at the TETFund’s TETFAIR 4 prototype development bootcamp, which began on August 5th. This event brought together academic teams from across Nigeria, all united by the goal of turning their innovative ideas into actionable prototypes. With the support of our experts at Innov8 Hub, these teams worked tirelessly to lay the groundwork for solutions that could revolutionize industries and academic research in Nigeria.

Sustainable Agriculture in Focus: A Visit from the Industrial Trust Fund

On August 16th, we had the pleasure of hosting the Director General of the Industrial Trust Fund at our farm, operated in partnership with Soilless Farm Labs. This visit highlighted our innovative approaches to sustainable and innovative agriculture and showcased how these advancements can transform agriculture in Nigeria. The tour was a testament to our commitment to sustainable farming practices and our vision for the future of agriculture in the country.

Special Advisor to the President’s Visit

August 26th marked a significant moment for Innov8 Hub as we welcomed the Special Advisor to the President of Nigeria on Special Duties. This visit was a clear endorsement of the work being done at Innov8 Hub, particularly by the young Nigerians who are leading our innovation efforts. The Special Advisor’s focus on these young innovators emphasized the critical role they play in shaping the future of our nation’s technological and creative sectors.

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Innovators: A Tour for Young Minds

On August 30th, Innov8 Hub was delighted to host a group of young Nigerians from the Learning World Education Resource Center. These future innovators were given an in-depth tour of our facilities, where they experienced firsthand the technology and innovative processes that define Innov8 Hub. This visit wasn’t just about showcasing our capabilities; it was about inspiring the next generation to dream big and innovate boldly.

Renewed Hope Resilience Initiative: Strengthening Societal Impact

The month concluded with a significant event on August 31st, as Innov8 Hub hosted the flagship event of the Renewed Hope Resilience Initiative. Organized by the Kudirat Abiola Sabon Gari Peace Foundation in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, this event highlighted our dedication to societal impact through networking and capacity-building. It was a powerful reminder that innovation extends beyond technology—it’s also about building resilient communities and fostering development of human capital.

Conclusion: The Legacy of August at Innov8 Hub

August 2024 was a month of powerful gusts of innovation at Innov8 Hub, driving us to new heights of creativity and impact. The seeds of progress planted during this transformative month will continue to grow, shaping the future of innovation in Nigeria and beyond. As we look ahead, we remain committed to turning ideas into reality, one innovative step at a time.

Tour of the Hub

TETFAIR 4 Heats Up: Prototype Development Begins at Innov8 Hub!

The TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR) program continues its fourth edition, and things are getting exciting! Following successful phases in market validation, business modeling, and high-level design, TETFAIR 4 has arrived at the initial Prototype Development Bootcamp stage at Innov8 Hub. TETFAIR 4 brings together brilliant minds from universities across Nigeria. Selected based on their innovative ideas, these participants embark on a year-long journey to develop viable solutions with the potential to address real-world challenges and contribute to national development.

Building the First Prototype: A Collaborative Effort

The PT1 Bootcamp commenced with the Heads of Technical Projects and Venture Programs warmly welcoming the teams and intimating them with the blueprint for the bootcamp. PT 1 commences with different sets of participants arriving for a comprehensive 3-day bootcamp. During this time, each team will:

Define team objectives: Working together, each team clarifies their goals and ensures everyone is on the same page.
Prototype with experts: Guided by Innov8 Hub’s technical specialists, participants traverse the immersive world of prototyping, bringing their ideas to life.
Project management & support: Dedicated project managers and additional resources are made available to assist teams throughout the process.
Debrief and progress discussions: Regular debriefing sessions allow teams to share their progress, address challenges, and refine their approach.

The Journey Continues!

This is just the beginning of the TETFAIR 4 Prototype Development Bootcamp. Stay tuned for further updates as different sets of teams make incredible strides in transforming their innovative ideas. Be sure to follow Innov8 Hub on social media to stay connected and witness the remarkable progress of TETFAIR!

Innovation in Action: A Look Back at Innov8 Hub’s Thrilling July

July, the seventh month of the Gregorian calendar, is named after Julius Caesar, a Roman leader known for his pragmatic and innovative spirit. At Innov8 Hub, the month of July has historically been a month of significant innovative advancement and change. This spirit of progress aligns perfectly with the Hub’s mission to foster innovation and create sustainable impact. Just as Caesar shaped Rome, Innov8 Hub is contributing its significant quota in shaping the future of innovation in Nigeria.

TETFAIR Continues to Take Flight

The TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR) is still in full swing! Experts at Innov8 Hub are working hand-in-hand with participants from TETFAIR 2, 3, and 4 to transform their ideas into tangible solutions, products and prototypes that address real-world challenges. Learn more about TETFAIR and how it’s shaping the future of Nigerian innovation: https://innov8hub.ng/tetfair-home/

SGCI Market Validation: Taking Ideas to Market

Participants in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) are in the crucial Market Validation phase. This phase allows them to gather valuable feedback from potential customers, ensuring their products address real-world needs. Check out more information here: https://innov8hub.ng/science-granting-councils-initiative-launches-at-innov8-hub/

Inspiring Connections: Building Bridges for the Future
July wasn’t just about internal progress! We were honored to welcome a range of distinguished guests, including:

Senator Lere Oyewumi, Senate Deputy Minority Leader: Senator Oyewumi visited on July 22nd, expressing his appreciation for our dedication to fostering innovation in Nigeria.
Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, DG of RMRDC: On July 1st, we discussed potential collaborations to advance innovation with Prof. Ike-Muonso and her team from the Raw Materials Research and Development Council.
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Delegates: Academic staff from this prestigious institution were inspired by a tour of our facilities on July 8th, furthering our mission to impact the education sector.
Canadian High Commission and Embassy Delegates: We were delighted to host delegates on July 17th who were impressed with our impact on society.
Georgia Tech Delegates: Discussions about advancing education across sub-Saharan Africa took center stage during their visit on July 24th.

These visits underscore our commitment to fostering strong partnerships that will propel innovation forward.

Join the Movement!

Become part of the Innov8 Hub community and stay updated on all the exciting initiatives and success stories unfolding. Visit our website or follow us on social media. Together, let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible!

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Science Granting Councils Initiative Launches at Innov8 Hub

Eighteen Nigerian lecturers are celebrating a major achievement after being awarded a $250,000 grant from the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI). This exciting development comes after their participation at the Research for Impact Research for Impact Initiative (R4i) initiative, a collaborative effort between TETFund and Innov8 Hub.

The SGCI is a multi-funded program that strengthens research and development (R&D) capabilities across sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative empowers these councils to bolster their respective national innovation ecosystems.

Award-Winning Innovations

The 18 beneficiaries, divided into four teams, received invaluable support from Innov8 Hub’s technical specialists. Their hard work resulted in the creation of four exciting prototypes:

i-Gel: This reusable, multipurpose device harvests atmospheric water, stores it, and then releases it directly to plant roots.
Jollyfryer: Jollyfryer features a heat exchanger and insulated chamber, leading to a more efficient and improved frying process.
Water 23: This innovation offers a solution for eliminating waterborne pathogens without relying on electricity. Water 23 can significantly reduce health problems associated with contaminated water.
Airvolt: This budget-friendly wind turbine generates electricity, providing users with control, extended operation, and impressive durability.

Hope for the Future

The SGCI Launch Event in Abuja marked a momentous occasion. Deputy General Manager of Innov8 Hub, Mr. Deji Ige, emphasized the event’s significance, highlighting “the power of foresight, commitment, and collaboration.” He acknowledged the transformative role of TETFund’s R4i and TETFAIR initiatives, which have shifted the focus of Nigerian academia towards research with real-world applications, venture creation, and impactful solutions. Mr. Ige also praised TETFund’s leadership and described Innov8 Hub as the “oil that fuels the lamp” in this collaborative effort. He underscored TETFund’s vital role as a champion of national development and a guiding light for Nigerian academics.

A Transformative Partnership

TETFund’s Director of Research and Development, Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, expressed his enthusiasm about Nigeria’s participation in the SGCI program. While Nigeria joined in 2020, Dr. Girei emphasized the program’s transformative potential.

The $250,000 grant will support four Nigerian research teams, each developing projects of immense potentials. This funding bridges the gap between research and practical application, fostering the commercialization of these promising innovations.

Stay tuned for updates on the first week-long bootcamp of the Science Granting Councils Initiative, scheduled to take place at Innov8 Hub. This initiative marks a significant step forward for Nigerian innovation, and the future looks bright!

Building Innovation In Nigeria’s Civil Service: Innov8 Hub Hosts Productive Meeting With Office of The Head of Service

Innov8 Hub was honoured to host a delegation from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation. This visit was led by the Permanent Secretary of Special Duties, Dr. Magdalene N. Ajani. This exciting visit centered on building a strong partnership to cultivate a culture of innovation within Nigeria’s civil service.

A Shared Vision for Progress

The OHCSF has a commendable track record of promoting innovation through their ongoing initiative, a Civil Service Innovation Competition. This competition, currently in its fourth edition, has successfully generated over 13 innovative ideas with each iteration. However, the delegates acknowledged the potential for these ideas to become stale without proper technical and business support. To bridge this gap, they expressed their desire to collaborate with reputable hubs like Innov8 Hub to transform these ideas into Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and beyond, ensuring their lasting impact.

The meeting began with introductions from both parties. The Innov8 team, led by the Managing Director and Deputy General Manager, warmly welcomed the delegation. Dr. Ajani then introduced the team from the Office of the Head of Service.

Civil Service Meets Innovation

Following introductions, the agenda shifted to a comprehensive tour of Innov8 Hub. The delegates were thrilled to explore the facilities, meet with resident technical experts, and gain firsthand experience with Innov8 Hub’s expertise, equipment, and resources.

Upon returning from the tour, the delegates and the Innov8 team reconvened for a roundtable discussion. The Head of Venture Programs delivered a presentation that provided an in-depth overview of Innov8 Hub. The presentation highlighted the hub’s progress since its inception, its core programs and activities, and the many milestones it has achieved.

An engaging Q&A session followed the presentation, fostering an interactive conversation centered on the most effective strategies for collaboration and partnership between the Office of the Head of Civil Service and Innov8 Hub. This discussion paved the way for a promising future collaboration that will undoubtedly propel innovation within Nigeria’s civil service and beyond.

TETFAIR 4: The High-Level Design Bootcamp Wraps Up

The TETFAIR 4 project has just taken a critical step forward with the successful completion of the High-Level Design (HLD) bootcamp. This intensive period saw participants from different universities and polytechnics in Nigeria, facilitators and technical experts converge at Innov8 Hub for brainstorming, collaboration, and strategic planning.

Participants, grouped into different teams, just wrapped up a phase of intense idea development and refinement. The teams defined the core functionalities, target audience, and the overall user experience for their solution products.

Think of the HLD bootcamp like architects emerging from a marathon blueprint session. The HLD bootcamp meticulously outlined the framework for TETFAIR 4. They tackled key questions head-on:

What problem did we tackle? The bootcamp zeroed in on a specific need within TETFAIR 4’s target audience. A clear problem statement now serves as the project’s foundation.
Who will benefit most? Understanding the target user was paramount. Detailed user personas were created during the bootcamp to ensure TETFAIR 4 caters to their specific requirements.
What features will make TETFAIR 4 stand out? The bootcamp participants meticulously identified and prioritized functionalities. This ensures the product delivers the most value to its users.
How will users interact with TETFAIR 4? User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) were central to the bootcamp. Here, the team crafted a user journey, outlining how users will navigate and interact with the product.

The HLD bootcamp was an ideas exchange powerhouse.The team actively brainstormed, debated, and refined ideas in real-time. Through this collaborative effort, a clear and concise vision for TETFAIR 4 emerged. This vision will now serve as a guiding light for the development stages to come.

The Benefits of a Successful Bootcamp

This intensive HLD bootcamp delivered several crucial benefits:

A Crystal-Clear Direction: The bootcamp provided a roadmap, ensuring everyone involved is on the same page and working towards a shared goal.
Reduced Risk Factors: By identifying potential challenges early on, the bootcamp helps mitigate risks during development.
Enhanced Development Efficiency: A well-defined HLD streamlines the process, saving time and resources down the road.
Improved Stakeholder Alignment: The bootcamp fostered communication and collaboration between stakeholders, leading to a more successful project outcome.

TETFAIR 4: A Vision Realized

High Level Design: The HLD bootcamp marks the exciting conclusion of the planning phase for TETFAIR 4. With a clear vision and a well-defined roadmap in place, the stage is set for the product to take shape. Stay tuned for updates as participants translate their ideas into innovation, solution and enterprise.

TETFAIR 2 & 3 Returns with Prototype Development Bootcamp

TETFund and Innov8: Imagine a program that empowers Nigerian academics, researchers, and innovators to turn their ideas into solutions that address real-world challenges. That’s exactly what the TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR) achieves. This year-long program, specifically the 2nd and 3rd editions, focuses on participants from government-owned polytechnics and technical colleges of education across Nigeria.

But TETFAIR, a program initiated by TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub, isn’t just about brainstorming great ideas. It’s also about giving those ideas the wings to fly. Here’s a recap of the TETFAIR 2 & 3 Prototype Development Bootcamp, a pivotal stage where innovation takes a leap from concept to tangible reality.

Building on a Solid Foundation

Before proceeding into prototyping, participants underwent a crucial market validation phase. This phase ensured their solutions are not just innovative but also relevant and address a genuine market need. TETFAIR’s unique R&D process, renowned for its immersive and impactful nature, equipped participants with the tools and insights they need to refine their ideas.

From Needs to Prototypes: The Power of Market Validation

Market validation wasn’t just about confirming the viability of an idea; it also sparked action. By pinpointing the specific needs of their target customers, participants gained valuable insights that further shaped their innovations. Armed with Product Requirement Documents (PRD), Minimum Requirement Documents (MRD), and High Level Designs (HLD), they were then ready to translate their concepts into concrete proof-of-concept prototypes.

The Prototype Development Bootcamp: Where Ideas Take Shape

The TETFAIR Prototype Development Bootcamp (pT1) is the heart of the program’s magic. It’s where ideas transform from sketches on paper to functional prototypes. This intensive bootcamp provides participants with the resources and support they need to bring their innovations to life. PT1 plays a pivotal role in transforming the ideas of participants into tangible realities, especially after undergoing the previous stages.

This intensive phase functioned as a bridge between conceptualisation and creation. It began with a clear objective-setting session, ensuring everyone was aligned on the goals for their individual prototypes. Participants then embarked on a collaborative development journey, working hand-in-hand with technical and business experts from Innov8 Hub. The bootcamp also featured debriefing sessions which provided a platform to share progress, address challenges, and find solutions.

Throughout the program, a core focus remained on refining the value proposition of each innovation. Participants honed their understanding of the core benefits their solutions offered, ensuring they resonated with the target market. The program culminated in the development of compelling products packaging and designs. By the end of the bootcamp, the TETFAIR 2 & 3 cohorts emerged not just with a newfound set of skills, but with functional prototypes ready for further testing and development. This marked a significant leap forward in their mission to turn impactful solutions from ideas into reality.

By the end of the TETFAIR Prototype Development Bootcamp, participants will have a functional prototype in hand – a tangible representation of their innovative solution. This is just another step in their exciting journey. With a refined prototype, they are ready for further testing, user feedback, and ultimately, bringing their impactful solutions to the market, making a real difference in their communities and beyond.

Stay tuned for future updates! We’ll be sharing the progress of these exciting innovations from the TETFAIR 2 & 3 cohorts. Witness the power of Nigerian ingenuity as these ideas take flight and transform into solutions that shape a brighter future.

Looking to learn more about TETFAIR? Visit https://innov8hub.ng/tetfair-home/ to discover the program details and explore the innovative landscape emerging from Nigeria’s brightest minds.

TETFAIR – Home

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Design Thinking for AI Startups: Innovating with a User-Centric Approach

At the recent launch of the Intel® Liftoff Hackathon for African AI Startups, Innov8 Hub facilitated a workshop titled “Design Thinking Approach for AI Startups.” Our goal? To equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools to navigate the exciting world of AI development, all while keeping the user at the heart of the process.

This year’s Hackathon partners include Modus Africa; University Mohamed VI Polytechnic- Morocco and UM6P Ventures; TUT Hub of Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa; Prosper Africa; FAST Accelerator; Innov8 Technology Hub; Zetech Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Technology Hub; and Open Startups International.

Our Head of Venture Programs, Andrew Aryee, emphasized the critical role of user-centric design in the entrepreneurial journey of AI startups. By prioritizing user needs from the very beginning, AI solutions can be crafted to address real-world challenges and maximize impact.

The workshop unpacked five key takeaways that form the foundation of a successful design thinking approach for AI startups:

1. Empathy and User-Centric Design:

This is the cornerstone. Understanding user needs, frustrations, and aspirations is essential for developing relevant and innovative AI solutions. Techniques like user interviews, surveys, and observation can illuminate these needs and help startups identify the problems their solutions will solve.

2. Problem Definition and Assumption Testing:

A clear understanding of the problem you’re tackling is crucial. Don’t be afraid to challenge assumptions early and often. Validate your initial problem definition through user research and feedback to ensure you’re on the right track.

3. Effective Brainstorming and Idea Prioritization:

Spark creativity! Encourage your team to generate a wide range of ideas, no matter how outlandish they may seem. Once you have a diverse pool, strategically prioritize the most viable ones based on feasibility, user needs, and potential impact.

4. Prototyping and User Testing:

Don’t wait for perfection. Develop a low-fidelity prototype – a basic model of your solution – and get it into the hands of users. User feedback is invaluable for refining your solution and ensuring it truly addresses the problem you’ve identified.

5. Iterative Design Process:

The journey from a concept to a market-ready AI product is rarely linear. Embrace an iterative approach. Continuously test your solution with users, gather feedback, and incorporate it into your design. This ensures your solution evolves to meet the ever-changing needs of your target audience.

The Kick-Off

Following the workshop, our Deputy CTO, Nizor Ogbezuode, officially kicked off the hackathon with Challenge No. 1, focusing on Generative AI (GenAI) using Stable Diffusion Models. This exciting challenge is a perfect example of putting design thinking into action, as participants will use their creativity and problem-solving skills to develop innovative AI applications.

By adopting a user-centric design thinking approach, AI startups can increase their chances of success in the competitive tech landscape. Innov8 Hub is proud to be a part of fostering a new generation of African AI entrepreneurs who are building solutions that make a positive impact on the world.

NASRDA Visits Innov8 Hub: Satellite Technology Development in Nigeria

Innov8 Hub recently welcomed a delegation from the Centre for Satellite Technology Development (CSTD) at the National Space Research & Development Agency (NASRDA). This exciting visit aimed to explore training opportunities and avenues for knowledge exchange in satellite technology development in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s ambitions in satellite development, spearheaded by NASRDA, requires a strong foundation in knowledge and skilled personnel. Training opportunities and avenues for knowledge exchange are crucial for this endeavor. These programs can equip individuals with the specialized expertise needed to design, build, and operate frontier technologies.

The CSTD delegates embarked on an immersive tour of Innov8 Hub’s cutting-edge facilities and impact labs. The experience provided a firsthand look at the resources and support Innov8 Hub offers.

Following the tour, a stimulating roundtable discussion ensued between the delegates and Innov8 Hub’s management team, exploring the potential establishment of a collaboration that aims to provide a knowledge-sharing platform for training purposes, along with access to satellite images to aid in the development of data-driven solutions.

NASRDA and Innov8 Hub: At Innov8 Hub, we are passionate about fostering collaboration. We connect brilliant minds and talented individuals across various disciplines. Through our diverse programs, we equip them with the tools they need to bring their innovative ideas to life. This includes access to mentorship, industry expertise, a supportive environment, and state-of-the-art facilities. Our mission is to empower innovators, inventors, researchers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and venture creators. We cultivate a culture of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship, providing the necessary support to transform ideas into solutions and solutions into thriving businesses.

Innov8 Hub and NASRDA’s potential collaboration holds immense promise to propel Nigeria’s satellite technology development. By combining our expertise in nurturing innovation with NASRDA’s established knowledge and experience, such partnership can empower Nigerian minds to make significant contributions to the global space industry.

Innov8 Hub and NTA Knowledge Host 2024 Science Quiz Competition

Innov8 Hub was abuzz with excitement and suspense on the 10th of May, 2024, as we hosted the 4th edition of the Science Quiz Competition, a prestigious initiative organized by NTA Knowledge, the educational arm of Nigeria’s largest television network, in collaboration with Innov8 Hub. This year’s edition saw a fantastic turnout, bringing together nine of Abuja’s brightest secondary schools:

Stella Creative Basic School

Maria Assumpta School

Nigerian Tulip International College (Abuja Boys)

Premiere Academy

Highgrade International School

Glisten International Academy

I-Scholar International School

African Community School

Stella Maris Schools

Science Quiz Competition: Opening Remarks

The event kicked off with an inspiring opening address by Mrs. Bukola da Silva, General Manager of NTA Knowledge. She expressed her sincere appreciation to Innov8 Hub for its unwavering support in hosting the competition for three consecutive years. Goodwill messages from esteemed representatives across Nigerian educational institutions further solidified the importance of this initiative. On behalf of Innov8 Hub, Mr. Gregory Ibe Jr., a top management executive, reiterated the hub’s dedication to fostering education in Nigeria through impactful programs like the Science Quiz Competition.

The Competition

The day unfolded with an engaging three-stage competition testing students’ knowledge across four core science subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry. The atmosphere crackled with intellectual energy as teams battled it out, showcasing their scientific prowess.

Science Quiz Competition

After a day of intense competition, the much-anticipated results were announced. We are thrilled to congratulate the following schools for clinching the top three spots:

1. Nigerian Tulip International College

2. Premiere Academy, Lugbe Abuja

3. I-Scholars International Academy

The exceptional performances displayed by these schools are a true testament to the caliber of science education in Abuja and Nigeria altogether.

Collaborate With Us

At Innov8 Hub, we are passionate about empowering future generations and fostering sustainable development through our programs and initiatives. As Nigeria’s leading one-stop shop for innovation, startup incubation, and venture creation, we believe in the power of collaboration. Partner with us today, and let’s join forces to create a lasting positive impact, not just in Nigeria, but across the continent!

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