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Research for Impact: Cohort 13 Commences at Innov8 Hub

Introduction:

The Research for Impact (R4i) initiative is back in action with its 13th cohort. R4i, a collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 Hub, remains at the forefront of Research and Development, with a unique focus on generating ideas from the Nigerian Academia and transforming them into impactful solutions.

Within 10 days, participants in their teams, will tackle challenges arising from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, achieving this through accelerated innovation.

R4i 13: A Hybrid Opening Event

This edition of R4i takes a hybrid approach, welcoming academics from Universities and Polytechnics across the nation. The opening event featured a warm address by His Excellency, Mr. Edward Singhatey, who introduced participants to Innov8 Hub and provided a concise overview of the R4i Initiative.

The stage was then taken by R4i Facilitator, Engr. Betty Ugona, who introduced the participants to the human essence of innovation. She notably presented the Triple H model: Head, Heart, and Hands, highlighting their critical role in emotional intelligence.

R4i 13: Meet the Participants and Experts

Throughout their stay at R4i 13, participants will collaborate with a team of technical experts from Innov8 Hub. These experts, introduced during the opening event, will provide valuable support to the teams in developing their prototypes. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to introduce themselves, their institutions, and areas of specialization. .

R4i 13: Strengthening the Triple Helix Synergy

The Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative aims to usher in a new era of societal development by addressing pressing challenges. This remarkable initiative, led by TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub, harnesses the combined power of academic ingenuity and industry expertise, further reinforcing the Triple Helix Synergy among Government, Academia, and Industry.

R4i 12: Shaping The Face of Innovation in Nigeria

The Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative of TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub, is paving the way for innovation in Nigeria through research and development, tailored towards the Nigerian Academia.

R4i empowers members of the Nigerian Academia to transform their research findings into innovative solutions. These solutions aim to tackle critical challenges within the nation, all accomplished within a span of just 10 days.

R4i 12: A Glance at the Closing Event

On the 13th of October, 2023, the closing event for the 12th cohort of R4i was held. This event signified the culmination of the entire program. Participants, organized into 5 teams, unveiled their prototypes to the public for the very first time. In addition, there was a recap of the entire 12th cohort and its activities. This evoked a sense of nostalgia in the air.

R4i 12: The Innovative Prototypes

Distributed into 5 teams, participants of R4i 12 embarked on a journey from ideation to prototype development. This journey involved them in the intricate processes essential for creating functional prototypes. The prototypes directly addressed challenges derived from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. At the end of R4i 12, here are the innovative prototypes that emerged:

  1. TEAM No Poverty: ‘AQUAPURE’ – This team devised a ceramic water-filtration system using a unique porous ceramic material that effectively filters out impurities and contaminants.
  2. TEAM Zero Hunger: ‘ONIONSAFE’ – Their innovation, ‘ONIONSAFE’, is a smart-technology device designed to optimize onion preservation and substantially reduce post-harvest losses.
  3. TEAM Good Health & Well-Being: ‘HYPROXI’ – This team developed ‘HYPROXI’, an antihypertensive instant herbal mix aimed at managing high blood pressure through a carefully crafted formula comprising selected herbs known for their remarkable therapeutic properties.
  4. TEAM Decent Work & Economic Growth: ‘Tour9ja’ – The ‘Tour9ja’ mobile and web application is their brainchild, aiding tourism in Nigeria by providing comprehensive information on tourist attractions while bridging the gap between tourism and Nigerian culture.
  5. TEAM Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure: ‘AutoSkill-Pro’ – This team created an app called ‘AutoSkill-Pro’ that establishes a platform for vehicle owners and mechanics to connect while empowering mechanics to obtain certifications and continuously refine their skills

Images from Closing Event

R4i 12: The Curtain Fall

As R4i 12 gracefully concluded, participants could reflect on their impactful journey with confidence. They no longer need to leave their ideas dormant on dusty bookshelves. They can transform these ideas into viable ventures, addressing societal challenges along the way. Thanks to TETFund and Innov8 Hub, the future of research and development in Nigeria now appears promising and secure. Innovation is on the rise, and Nigeria is at the forefront of this burgeoning movement.

Transforming Ideas into Innovation: The R4i Initiative

Introduction:

The Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative is at the forefront of fostering synergy among the Government, Academia, and Industry. This groundbreaking initiative is a collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 Hub. R4i is consistently catalyzing the transformation of academic ideas in Nigeria into innovative solutions that align with global best practices.

R4i 11 Closing Event Recap:

On September 29, 2023, the curtains fell on R4i 11, marking the culmination of yet another successful edition. The event attracted a diverse audience of experts, academic stalwarts, and other dignitaries. The Chief Facilitator of R4i delivered an inspiring speech, urging participants to replicate the benefits of R4i. The event’s highlight was the presentation of pitch videos by each team.

Recap of R4i 11

R4i 11 Prototypes:

  • Team Zero Hunger unveiled the Multi-Grain Planter, an innovative device capable of precisely planting grains into the soil, significantly reducing labor-intensive efforts.
  • Team Good HEALTH & Well-Being introduced MSKEL-OIL, derived from aromatic plants rich in complex secondary metabolites, offering relief to patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
  • Team QUALITY EDUCATION showcased SUPERBOT-1, a virtual supervisor providing real-time project feedback to students.
  • Team AFFORDABLE & CLEAN ENERGY developed SWIFCLEAN, a solar-panel cleaning device engineered to eliminate stubborn residue from solar panels.
  • Team DECENT WORK & ECONOMIC GROWTH unveiled Butcher Hub, an e-commerce application streamlining meat and seafood purchases.

Innov8 Hub director, His Excellency, Mr. Edward Singhatey, delivered the closing remark of R4i 11 and encouraged participants to perpetuate the spirit of innovation within their respective institutions.

R4i 12: Opening Event:

The 12th installment of the Research for Impact Initiative commenced with an opening event hosted at Innov8 Hub. This batch comprises 24 lecturers and technologists from government-owned universities and polytechnics nationwide. His Excellency, Mr. Edward Singhatey, opened the event by extending a warm welcome to the participants. He went further to provide an insightful overview of Innov8 Hub and the R4i Initiative. Engr. Betty Ugona, an R4i Facilitator, then delved into the human aspect of innovation. She emphasizing the Triple H Model, which encompasses the Head, the Heart, and the Hands. A team of experts from Innov8 Hub, who will be working closely with the teams were introduced. Afterwards, the participants introduced themselves, their respective institutions, and their areas of expertise.

R4i 12: Conclusion:

At R4i 12, facilitators will organize participants into teams, and each team will have the task of addressing societal challenges derived from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.They will embark on a 10-day journey of accelerated innovation, aiming to transform their ideas into functional prototypes capable of addressing real-world issues and potentially leading to commercialization. The collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 Hub is currently transforming Nigerian Academia’s publications into tangible innovations and ventures that are ready to make a significant contribution to national development.

Fostering Innovation Through Collaborative Hub Ecosystems

Collaboration, Hubs & the ecosystem: Introduction

Collaboration, Hubs & the ecosystem: Within today’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering innovation and nurturing the growth of startups, SMEs, and the public sector hinges on the power of collaboration. At Innov8 Hub, we champion a belief that by forging alliances and partnerships with other hubs, we can finesse models to better serve our community. This collaborative approach taps into the wealth of experience and expertise across various hubs, paving the way for progress and development.

The ISN Hubs Annual Convention

Innov8 Hub participated in the Innovation Support Network (ISN Hubs) annual convention 2023. The convention brought together approximately 150 representatives from diverse hubs and startups across Nigeria. Neta Hanien, Director of Programs and Partnerships at Innov8 Hub, played a pivotal role as a panelist, sharing her insights on the theme: “Creating Impact through Collaborative Hub Ecosystems.”

Collaboration Hubs ecosystem

The Power of Structured Collaboration

The panel emphasized the vital role of structured collaboration among hubs. This strategy allows hubs to focus their efforts on specific sectors, technologies, or demographics, leading to the collective development of tailor-made services. Furthermore, within the startup ecosystem, matchmaking between hubs identifies gaps, enabling the design of customized programs that deliver maximum value to the community.

ISN Hubs: Advocates of Collaboration

ISN Hubs, a not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to supporting hubs in various capacities. Their mission encompasses policy advocacy, facilitating connections between corporates, academia, funders, and development partners, and promoting sustainable hub structures. With over 150 members, ISN Hubs comprises a diverse community of entrepreneurship, impact, innovation, and technology hubs throughout Nigeria.

Open Doors, Open Collaborations

During the annual gathering, Innov8 Hub welcomed 30 participants to our facility. The visit served as a platform to showcase our work, remarkable milestones, innovations, and cutting-edge technology. In addition, we explored potential collaborations that could enhance our collective efforts toward societal development.

Conclusion: Embracing a Collaborative Future

Innov8 Hub firmly believes that the future of hub ecosystems is deeply rooted in collaboration. By working together, hubs can leverage their collective potential to nurture innovation, drive economic growth, and provide invaluable support. Our recent activities with ISN Hubs reaffirmed our commitment to this collaborative vision. We eagerly anticipate further strengthening our partnerships and expanding our impact in the dynamic world of innovation and entrepreneurship.

R4i 11: Research for Impact Initiative Returns

Introducing R4i 11, the latest chapter of the Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative, hosted at Innov8 Hub. Collaboratively organized by TETFund and Innov8 Hub, this initiative shines a spotlight on Nigerian Academia, empowering them to shift their research from mere publications to groundbreaking innovations aligned with global standards. In doing so, R4i fosters the Triple Helix Synergy, connecting Government, Academia, and Industry in a dynamic partnership.

R4i 11: Unlocking Innovation Potential

Throughout previous editions of R4i, more than 40 functional prototypes have emerged, each holding the promise of commercialization and the potential to address critical challenges within Nigerian society and beyond. As R4i continues to evolve, its impact on innovation and societal progress becomes increasingly evident.

R4i 11: Opening Event Highlights

The R4i 11 opening event marked a milestone in this ongoing journey towards impactful research. His Excellency, Mr. Edward Singhatey, a director at Innov8 Hub, delivered a warm and insightful welcome address, providing an in-depth introduction to Innov8 Hub and the R4i Initiative. Following this, Engr. Betty Ugona, an R4i Facilitator, delivered an inspiring welcome message, encouraging participants to embrace the limitless possibilities of the R4i spirit.

Participants were then introduced to a team of experts who will closely collaborate with them throughout their stay at Innov8 Hub. Subsequently, each participant had the opportunity to introduce themselves, their respective institutions, and their areas of expertise, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the diverse group.

R4i 11: Foresight and the Road Ahead

R4i 11 extends over a 10-day period, during which participants will embark on an educational journey encompassing comprehensive courses, processes, and procedures crucial for developing functional prototypes. These innovations will align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that they contribute to addressing global challenges.

R4i 11: A Vision for the Future

Under the visionary leadership of Arc. Sonny Echono, TETFund and Innov8 Hub have jointly initiated this initiative. Its transformative potential extends not only to Nigerian Academia but also to broader societal development and the creation of innovative ventures. Initiatives like R4i have the power to create a ripple effect, strengthening the triple helix synergy that binds academia, government, and industry in a unified pursuit of progress.

As R4i 11 unfolds, we anticipate witnessing the birth of innovative solutions and groundbreaking collaborations that will shape the future of research, innovation, and solution in Nigeria.

R4i: Driving Innovation With Emotional Intelligence

The Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative, a collaborative effort between TETFund and Innov8 Hub, continues to spearhead a transformative impact within Nigerian Academia. With its primary objective being the enhancement of the innovative capabilities of lecturers and researchers in public tertiary institutions, R4i leverages accelerated innovation, research, and prototype development to address pressing societal challenges in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Within this initiative lies the course ‘Driving Emotional Intelligence,’ led by Engr. Betty Ugona. The significance of this course cannot be overstated, as it delves into the very essence of innovation and innovators. In teamwork, navigating the intricacies of the innovation ecosystem, and maintaining the emotional resilience necessary for achieving remarkable success, emotions are a critical factor.

Innovation: An Emotional Journey

  • The upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic unleashed a wave of stress, disorientation, chaos, emotional turmoil, and heightened aggression.
  • Leaders across diverse domains found themselves grappling with extraordinary demands brought about by these unprecedented challenges.
  • In lieu of rigid response plans, leaders now require adaptable behaviors and mindsets that prevent overreacting to mistakes and errors made by their teams.
  • The emphasis for leaders should be on forward-thinking and innovation, seeking relevance and sustainability.
  • In such circumstances, emotional intelligence emerges as a vital behavioral skill for leaders.
  • Challenges, creative problem-solving, and the genesis of novel inventions all seek to contribute value to humanity.
  • Emotions are intricately woven into these processes, shaping the journey from identifying challenges to their successful implementation.
  • Interactions during the innovation process are not without friction and conflict, which are often typical when individuals collaborate closely.
Innovation and Emotional Intelligence

The Essence of Emotional Innovation

Emotional innovation underscores the importance of mindfulness regarding emotions throughout the entire innovation process. It entails effectively engaging with stakeholders and effectively addressing challenges from initial problem identification to the eventual implementation of solutions. Creating an environment conducive to human-centered innovation stages is paramount. Organizations that strategically manage emotions cultivate a collaborative culture, thereby fostering superior innovation and value creation. Passionate alignment within teams further propels successful innovation.

Understanding Emotions

Emotion is a natural, instinctive state of mind influenced by one’s circumstances, mood, or interactions with others. Emotions can be categorized as either positive or negative.

Emotional Intelligence Defined

According to Daniel Goleman, the American psychologist who popularized the concept, emotional intelligence can be defined as “the ability to comprehend and manage one’s own emotions, as well as those of others around them.” Individuals with a high level of emotional intelligence possess an acute awareness of their emotions, grasp the significance of these emotions, and understand their impact on others. This ability empowers them to effectively manage emotions in ways that alleviate stress, enable effective communication, nurture empathy, surmount challenges, and mitigate conflicts.

Components of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence encompasses several key components:

  • Self Awareness: Being in tune with one’s own emotional state.
  • Self Regulation: The ability to exercise control over one’s emotions, adapt to situations, and maintain a positive outlook.
  • Motivation: The drive and determination to achieve goals.
  • Empathy: The capacity to understand and share the feelings of others.
  • Social Skills: The ability to navigate social interactions effectively.

Competencies of Emotional Intelligence

  • Self Awareness (Emotional self-awareness)
  • Self Management (Emotional Self-control, Adaptability, Achievement Orientation, Positive Outlook)
  • Social Awareness (Empathy, Organizational Awareness)
  • Relationship Management (Influence, Coach and Mentor, Team Work, Conflict Management, and Inspirational Leadership)

Innovation and Emotional Intelligence: Conclusion

In hindsight, the R4i Initiative, with its profound emphasis on emotional intelligence, is charting a new course for innovation in the Nigerian academic landscape. By recognizing the pivotal role of emotions in the innovation process and equipping educators and researchers with the tools of emotional intelligence, R4i is contributing to a brighter, more innovative future for all.

Exploring the Future of Food: Edible Insects as a Sustainable Delicacy (TETFAIR STORIES)

TETFAIR STORIES: Introduction

TETFAIR STORIES: In recent years, the global spotlight has turned towards a unique and eco-friendly food source – edible insects. These tiny creatures are emerging as a viable solution to both food security concerns and malnutrition issues, particularly in countries like Nigeria. Amidst these challenges, the TETFAIR initiative has been at the forefront of pioneering change, specifically through the efforts of TEAM 8. Comprising academics from the University of Ibadan, including Dr. Folasade Adeboyejo, Dr. Oladejo Adepoju, and Dr. Olufemi Adebiyi this team is orchestrating a remarkable journey towards sustainable nutrition.

Bug Delight (TEAM 8)

Nigeria, like many other nations, faces the dual challenge of ensuring a reliable food supply and combating malnutrition. Edible insects, including the African Palm Weevil Larvae (APWL) and Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), have surfaced as not just a solution, but an opportunity. Recognized for their nutritional richness and exotic appeal, these insects hold the promise of revolutionizing culinary practices in Nigeria.

However, realizing this potential demands overcoming multifaceted challenges. TEAM 8 is navigating these hurdles with remarkable determination, driving forward with their innovation – Bug Delight. This ready-to-eat, protein-packed marvel is developed from traditional edible insect spices, processed and perfected to deliver a shelf-stable delight.

TETFAIR STORIES: Market Validation

Market validation and consumer acceptance studies have ignited optimism within TEAM 8’s journey. Insights gleaned from these studies underscore a burgeoning enthusiasm among Nigerians to explore alternative protein sources. Astonishingly, around 75% of respondents exhibited a favorable inclination towards purchasing and consuming edible insects, whether in their natural form, roasted, or as a powdered ingredient. This shift in attitude signifies a growing willingness to embrace novel dietary options, a shift that TEAM 8 is keenly capitalizing on.

TETFAIR ST0RIES

The path to success for TEAM 8 wasn’t solely paved by market studies; it was also etched through experimentation and innovation. The team’s commitment to their cause motivated them to construct an insect farming habitat, complete with state-of-the-art temperature and humidity control systems. This habitat forms the nucleus of their insect cultivation, a testament to their dedication and meticulous planning.

Breaking down the production capacity, the figures are equally impressive. With 15 pairs of adult insects producing a staggering 3600 eggs per month, the potential for growth is evident. Scaling up to 100 pairs of adult insects, this capacity skyrockets to an astounding 20,000 larvae per month. Considering an average larval weight of 5g, the controlled environment ensures a consistent monthly output of 100kg of larvae.

TETFAIR STORIES: Conclusion

Yet, the journey has not been without its challenges. Persisting through sporadic electricity supply, ventilation issues, and even loss due to natural factors like rainstorms, TEAM 8’s resilience shines through. Mortality rates for wild-collected larvae served as a reminder of the importance of controlled environments in their project. This uphill battle is a testament to their determination and adaptability.

The road ahead for TEAM 8 is filled with both promise and ambition. Their aspirations to elevate their products have led them to the doorstep of the TETFAIR Advanced Prototype Development Bootcamp. This strategic move reflects their unwavering dedication to refining their products and making them more accessible to a wider audience.

Transforming Research into Innovation: R4i’s 10th Cohort Shines Bright

R4i 10: The closing event for the 10th cohort of the Research for Impact Initiative unfolded in spectacular fashion at Innov8 Hub. This initiative of TETFund and Innov8 Hub is poised to revolutionize the Nigerian academia. By equipping academics and researchers with the tools, resources, and expertise needed to transform research into real-world solutions, R4i seamlessly aligns with global best practices.

R4i 10 was a hybrid edition, bringing together academics and researchers from government-owned universities and polytechnics across Nigeria.

R4i 10 Closing Event: A Prelude to Excellence

A day before the culmination of R4i 10, participants gathered to share their transformative experiences. Prof. Ocheme Ocheme Boniface from F.U.T, Minna, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “Having participated in R4i, I have no regrets whatsoever. The founders, staff, and instructors here know what they are doing.” Dr. Onyegbuchulem Besta Okey from Imo State Polytechnic, praised the unparalleled connections fostered within the program. In his words, “This program has changed my approach to my work.” Dr. Adebimpe Omolayo Esan from Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, shared her newfound insight, remarking, “R4i has been incredibly insightful. Before this, I knew little about innovation and educational technology, but now I understand the concept of innovation.”

R4i 10: A Grand Closing

The closing event for R4i 10 took place on September 8th, 2023. Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa, the Chief Facilitator of the R4i Initiative, set the stage with his opening remarks. A captivating recap video of R4i played on the screen, leaving all attendees in awe. The representative of the Executive Secretary of the NBTE then took the stage, expressing delight in the participants’ remarkable achievements.. He went further to pledge support from NBTE for enhancing technical education in tertiary institutions nationwide.

The highlight of the event was the eagerly awaited video pitches from all five teams at R4i 10:

  1. TEAM Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: They introduced “BuildMinder,” an innovative system harnessing building data to create an AI predictive model for early detection of structural issues, ensuring timely maintenance and comprehensive quality analysis.
  2. TEAM Zero Hunger: Their innovation, “Exclusafe,” is an innovative breast milk storage bag that maintains breast milk at a specified temperature, guaranteeing safety and nutritional integrity.
  3. TEAM Quality Education: Their innovation, “Student’s Virtual Support Services,” promises to revolutionize virtual support services, elevating them to unprecedented levels of quality and accessibility.
  4. TEAM Good Health & Well-Being: They unveiled “Smartbetes,” a meal-planner app for diabetic patients employing advanced machine learning algorithms to suggest recipes based on location, dietary preferences, and available ingredients.
  5. TEAM Affordable and Clean Energy: Their creation, “Pinfrarac,” not only detects suspicious activity around power infrastructures but also triggers alarms to alert nearby individuals to potential acts of vandalism.

R4i 10: Conclusion

The closing event concluded with a closing remark delivered by His Excellency, Mr. Edward Singhatey, on behalf of Innov8 Hub. He urged participants to continue innovating and creating value that benefits the academic ecosystem and the nation as a whole.

R4i remains at the forefront of transforming research and development within academia. It spearheads a paradigm shift from researching for ideas to researching for impact. Join us in this transformative journey.

Empowering Education through Innovative Solutions: The Flywheel Educational Kit (TETFAIR)

Introduction

TETFAIR STORIES: TETFAIR is driven by a vision to bridge educational gaps and foster practical learning experiences in Nigerian institutions. One prominent challenge that plagues many educational setups is the scarcity of suitable laboratory equipment for hands-on physics and mechanical engineering experiments. This scarcity undermines students’ learning experiences, depriving them of essential practical insights.

Specifically, the absence of modern and specialized solutions hinders students’ ability to engage in experiments related to moments of inertia, angular velocity, acceleration, energy storage, and the radius of gyration. This deficit significantly compromises the quality of education in these critical fields.

TETFAIR STORIES: TEAM 10

In response, Team 10 at TETFAIR, comprising Engr. Patricia Okun, Engr. Wilfred Ikalumhe, and Engr. Jeremiah Akhimien, all academics from Edo State University, are developing the Flywheel Educational Kit. This educational laboratory tool is custom-designed for the intricate domains of physics and mechanical engineering.

TETFAIR STORIES

The Flywheel Educational Kit revolutionizes the learning landscape by enabling a diverse range of experiments. It empowers students to delve deep into the core principles, facilitating a more profound comprehension of the subject matter. Through this equipment, experiments involving moments of inertia via falling masses, angular velocity & acceleration measurements, energy storage analysis, and radius of gyration determinations become accessible and engaging.

Setting it apart from conventional wall-mounted alternatives is its distinctiveness. The Flywheel Educational Kit boasts a digital counter that offers real-time display of experiment parameters. This innovation provides immediate, accurate feedback, elevating the educational experience to new heights. It’s more than just a tool; it’s a gateway to interactive and effective learning.

TETFAIR STORIES: A SAFE LANDING

The journey of Team 10 at TETFAIR so far has been a remarkable one, marked by the transformation of challenges into solutions and the promise of potential venture creation. Along this path, they have encountered minor hurdles, mostly revolving around fine-tuning components for durability and market readiness.

As the culmination of the Advanced Prototype Development Bootcamp approaches, the expectations for Team 10 are high. They envision the Flywheel Educational Kit reaching its pinnacle – a refined product that meets the exacting standards of its future users. Together, TEAM 10 is redefining education, fostering innovation, and shaping a brighter future for Nigerian students in the realms of physics and mechanical engineering.

TETFAIR STORIES: Revolutionizing Nigerian Textile Cottage Industries: (TEAM 11)

TETFAIR STORIES TEAM 11: Introduction

In Nigeria, the growth of small and medium-scale textile cottage industries is stifled by archaic drying and curing methods, resulting in inefficient production, inconsistent quality, and escalated costs. The absence of suitable automated textile printing dryers, capable of thriving under local conditions and erratic power supply, compounds these issues. The urgency to develop an automated drying solution, enhancing production speed, quality, and energy efficiency while accommodating industry-specific constraints, has emerged as a pivotal challenge. Collaborative efforts among the Government, Academia, Industry Stakeholders and technology experts are pivotal in empowering Nigerian textile cottage industries for competitive and streamlined mass production.

TETFAIR STORIES: TEAM 11

Responding to this challenge at the TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR) is TEAM 11, developing an Automatic Textile Printing Dryer. Comprising academics from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka,  including Uchechukwu Ezeemo, Dr. Chika Chudi-Duru, Ogboso Ogboso Emea, and Ilo Ugochukwu Victor, with expertise in surface textile printing, textile technology, and mechanical/materials and metrological technology.

TETFAIR STORIE TEAM 11
TEAM 11 members working on the Textile dryer

Market Validation

During the Market Validation phase, TEAM 11 engaged potential buyers and users through personalized interactions, yielding insightful financial estimates ranging from 150,000 Naira to 300,000 Naira. Progressing to the second Bootcamp, the Textile Printing Dryer metamorphosed into a field-tested prototype, exhibiting an impressive 60% efficiency enhancement compared to conventional drying methods while printing. However, this journey was not without its hurdles. TEAM 11 returned to the Advanced Prototype Development Bootcamp at TETFAIR to refine components like heaters, blowers, size optimization, and machine mobility.

Envisioning the culmination of the TETFAIR Advanced Prototype Development Bootcamp, TEAM 11 aspires to unveil an automatic textile printing dryer that not only expedites drying time but also catalyzes ink adhesion, propelling mass production in the printing domain.

Conclusion

TEAM 11 has been unwavering in their determination to develop an Automatic Textile Dryer that can contend with global benchmarks, despite the challenges they have faced along the way. As TETFAIR provides the fertile ground for innovation, Nigerian textile cottage industries stand on the cusp of a transformative revolution.

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