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Research for Impact Initiative 5.0 Commences at Innov8 Hub

Nigerian Academics to Develop Solution-Prototypes at the Research for Impact Initiative

Research for Impact Initiative: Revolutionizing R&D in Nigeria

A revolution in research and development in Nigerian academia is imminent at TETFund’s Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative. R4i is channeling Nigerian academics toward development of innovative solutions to societal challenges. The program is a collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 Hub. This initiative provides academics with the skills, processes, and procedures needed to turn their research ideas into solutions and prototypes.

The R4i 5.0 edition kicked off on May 15, 2023, at Innov8 Hub, Abuja. The R4i initiative is a key part of TETFund’s strategic plan to promote research and innovation in Nigerian universities. The initiative will help to bridge the gap between research ideas and solutions. R4i will ultimately lead to the development of innovative solutions that can address Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.

Research for Impact Initiative: Participants at the opening event

Research for Impact Initiative: Opening Event

At the opening event, Mr. Edward Singhatey, director at Innov8 Hub, commended TETFund for its collaboration with Innov8 Hub. He welcomed participants to Innov8 Hub, stating that the expertise and experience will be invaluable in helping the participants to develop their research ideas into innovative solutions.

The R4i initiative is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to promote research and development. The initiative will provide Nigerian academics with the skills and resources needed to develop solutions to Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.

The 18 nominated lecturers participating in the R4i initiative will work alongside mentors and experts at Innov8 Hub for 11 days. During this time, they will engage in a Bootcamp with mind-mapping sessions, a workshop, ideation sessions, problem-definition, and pragmatic steps to turn their research ideas into innovative solutions.

R4i: The Objective

The ultimate goal of the R4i initiative is to transform research ideas into innovative solutions that are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. We are excited to follow the progress of the R4i initiative and to see the innovative solutions that are developed by the participants.

For more information on the Research for Impact, Bootcamp, stay tuned to our digital platforms or visit https://innov8hub.ng/research-for-impact-workshop-3-0-commences/.

Join us as we follow the progress of these innovative academics and their ground-breaking ideas!

TETFund’s Research for Impact Workshop at Innov8 Hub: Closing Event

Discover the highlights of the closing event of the Research for Impact Initiative 4.0. Read about how participants transformed their research findings into innovative solutions. At R4i, participants solved societal challenges aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Introduction

This is the recap of the Research for Impact 4.0, an initiative of TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub. This initiative serves as a platform for members of the Nigerian academia to breathe new life into their research ideas. The initiative also helps translate ideas into ground-breaking innovations, inventions, and solutions.

Unlocking Innovation Potential

Over an 11-day period, participants converged at Innov8 Hub, where they worked closely with experts and mentors to unlock the full potential of their research findings. The aim is to strengthen the Triple Helix Synergy between the Government, the Academia and the Industry. Through ideation and practical application, the R4i initiative enables participants to address pressing societal challenges in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Research for impact Initiative: R4i 4.0 teams with their innovations

Teams and Societal Challenges

Divided into teams, participants tackled a wide range of societal challenges. The teams included: Sustainable Cities & Communities, Health & Wellbeing, Zero Hunger, and Clean & Affordable Energy. These teams represented the driving force behind the workshop, harnessing their collective knowledge and expertise to develop innovative solutions that could reshape the future of Nigeria.

Closing Event Highlights

At the closing event, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, represented by Dr. Hadiza Ismail, delivered a compelling speech praising the remarkable achievements of the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative. With enthusiasm, she highlighted the benefits of the initiative to Nigeria.

Pitching Prototypes

The climax of the closing event was the moment each team presented their prototypes to the audience. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement as participants pitched their innovations to the audience, showcasing the tangible impact of the R4i.

Continuing the Path of Innovation

The Research for Impact initiative stands at the forefront of Nigeria’s research, development, and innovation ecosystem. By bridging the gap between research and practical application, it has become a catalyst for transforming stagnant research ideas into viable solutions that address the country’s most pressing challenges.

Research for Impact (R4i) 4.0 Commences at Innov8 Hub

The Research for Impact Bootcamp commenced today at Innov8 Hub, and it’s generating quite a buzz. R4i is a ground-breaking initiative of TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub. It aims to equip members of Nigerian academia from various public higher institutions with the necessary skills, processes and procedures needed to create innovative solutions from their research ideas, in order to tackle real-world challenges.

After a rigorous selection process, 18 lecturers were chosen to participate in the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative. Over the duration of this Bootcamp, participants will work alongside mentors and experts at Innov8 Hub for 11 days. The ultimate goal is to transform their ideas into innovative solutions aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Innov8 Hub extended a warm welcome to the participants and explained the core objectives of the initiative. Participants will spend 11 days at Innov8 Hub, where they will engage in mind-mapping sessions, workshops, ideation, problem-definition, and pragmatic steps to turn their research ideas into innovative solutions.

For more information on the Research for Impact, Bootcamp, stay tuned to our digital platforms or visit https://innov8hub.ng/research-for-impact-workshop-3-0-commences/. Join us as we follow the progress of these innovative academics and their groundbreaking ideas!

TETFAIR: Executive Secretary of TETFund Inspects Ongoing Projects at Innov8 Hub

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Architect Sonny Echono, led a delegation of TETFund officials to Innov8 Hub. The purpose of the tour was to inspect projects being developed at the ongoing TETFAIR Prototype Development Bootcamp.

Images from TETFund’s tour of TETFAIR Prototype Development

TETFAIR Prototype Development Bootcamp tour

During the tour, the Executive Secretary was impressed by the level of innovation and creativity displayed by the participants. He expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far and pledged TETFund’s continuous support for such initiatives.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund speaking

In his words: “This is an opportunity we have to make a difference in the lives of our people and to transform our country from potential to reality in terms of what we can do about the economy; how we can grow it and how we can share the benefits.”

The Prototype Development Bootcamp is a phase of TETFAIR; an initiative aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. Read more on TETFAIR: https://innov8hub.ng/tetfair/

The Impression

Participants also had their say, as they waxed lyrical about TETFund and Innov8 Hub. They expressed their appreciation over the platform given for them to translate their ideas into innovation, solution and enterprise. Participants also testified that prior to TETFAIR, their research ended up being published in academic papers. However, TETFAIR has helped them translate these ideas into pragmatic and functional solutions.

The Bootcamp is an intensive 2-week program that provides participants with the necessary skills, knowledge and resources to develop their ideas into working prototypes.

The prototypes developed would be taken for testing in respective locations before further modifications and refinements are made.

The tour of TETFund officials is a clear indication of their commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in in Nigeria. TETFAIR is a great opportunity for academics and researchers to showcase their innovative ideas and receive support from TETFund to bring their ideas to life.

TETFAIR Prototype Development Bootcamp: Turning Research Ideas into Functional Prototypes

A collage of some team members at TETFAIR

TETFAIR commenced its Prototype Development Bootcamp today at Innov8 Hub. The Bootcamp comes after the market validation phase and is designed to run over 12 days. During this period, participants would work with mentors, experts, and project managers in developing their prototypes, with the aim of creating functional solutions to real-world problems.

TETFAIR Prototype Development Bootcamp

The Bootcamp is an intensive training program where participants would collaborate with mentors and experts to develop their prototypes. It is a hands-on program that emphasizes practical learning and provides participants with the skills and tools necessary to build functional prototypes. The Bootcamp would involve building prototypes/high risk components, planning of the Proof of concept (POC) process, learning about financial modelling and mentorship sessions.

TETFAIR Prototype Development Bootcamp: The Role of Mentors and Experts

Mentors and experts would play a crucial role in the Prototype Development Bootcamp. They would provide guidance and support to participants, helping them refine their ideas and turn them into functional prototypes. The mentors and experts are experienced professionals from various fields, including design, engineering, and business. They work closely with participants, providing feedback and insights that help them improve their prototypes. The participants would have access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise that can help them create these prototypes.

Benefits of the Prototype Development Phase

The Prototype Development Bootcamp offers numerous benefits to participants. Firstly, the Bootcamp provides an opportunity for researchers and academics to turn their research ideas into functional prototypes. This, in turn, helps to bridge the gap between research and development, providing a pathway for innovative ideas to reach the market. Additionally, the Prototype Development Bootcamp equips participants with the skills and tools necessary to build functional prototypes, a critical skill for anyone interested in innovation and product development. The Bootcamp also fosters collaboration and networking among participants, mentors, and experts, creating a community of innovators and problem-solvers.

Conclusion

The TETFAIR Prototype Development Bootcamp is an essential component of TETFAIR. It provides an opportunity for participants to turn their research ideas into functional prototypes. With the guidance and support of mentors and experts, participants gain the skills and tools necessary to build functional prototypes, a critical skill for anyone interested in innovation and product development. The Bootcamp fosters collaboration and networking among participants, mentors, and experts, creating a community of innovators and problem-solvers. Overall, the TETFAIR Prototype Development Bootcamp is key in translating ideas into innovation, solutions and enterprise.

Innov8 Hub Celebrates International Day of Zero Waste

The United Nations General Assembly in 2022 passed a resolution to proclaim the 30^th of March as the International Day of Zero Waste every year. Today marks the first celebration of International Day of Zero Waste. The day highlights the need to minimize and manage waste in an environmentally sustainable manner. This year’s theme, “Achieving sustainable and environmentally sound practices of minimizing and managing waste,” emphasizes the urgent need to take action toward a zero-waste future. On this day, Innov8 Hub iterates our commitment in promoting waste reduction and management. Innov8 Hub is proud to be celebrating this important day with our community.

The Need for Innovative Ways to Manage Waste

The rapid growth of global waste generation has created a significant environmental challenge. Traditional waste management practices, such as landfills and incineration, have proven to be unsustainable and detrimental to the environment. Innov8 Hub recognizes the urgent need for innovative ways to manage waste and reduce its impact on the environment. Through our recycling/upcycling programs, we aim to transform waste materials into valuable items, promote sustainable consumption, and encourage the circular economy.

International Day of Zero Waste: Innov8 Hub’s Initiatives

Innov8 Hub has contributed significantly to zero-waste management through our recycling/upcycling initiatives. We have successfully transformed waste materials into items of value and beauty, such as furniture, clothing, and art pieces. One of our notable partnerships is with the IICD Center, where we work together to promote sustainable waste management practices. We also hosted the “Upcycling Redefined” workshop in 2021, sponsored by the U.S Embassy, where we showcased the potential of upcycling waste materials and the impact it can have on reducing waste.

International Day of Zero Waste: Achieving Sustainable & Environmentally Sound Practices of Minimizing and Managing Waste

As we celebrate International Day of Zero Waste, Innov8 Hub reiterates its commitment to promoting sustainable and environmentally sound practices of minimizing and managing waste. Our recycling/upcycling initiatives are just some of the ways we are making a positive impact on the environment. We urge everyone to join us in this journey toward a zero-waste future, where waste is reduced, reused, and recycled. Together, we can make a difference and achieve a more sustainable and environmentally sound world.

Innov8 Hub celebrates International Women’s Day

Embracing Equity on International Women’s Day

Innov8 Hub proudly celebrates International Women’s Day. It is a global event that commemorates the socio-economic, cultural, and collective achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender balance across the world.

Through various innovative initiatives, Innov8 Hub has been supporting women from different backgrounds. Innov8 Hub encourages women to break barriers, develop skills, and unleash their full potential in entrepreneurship, education, innovation, and technology.

Celebrating Innovators on International Women’s Day

With this year’s theme for International Women’s Day on Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality, we highlight some of the remarkable prototypes created by women through our various programs. Here are some of the outstanding innovations:

Geco Bricks

Goodness Tamuno’s Geco Bricks offers an eco-friendly solution to plastic waste. This is done by recycling PET bottles and nylons to create strong and sustainable building materials. The main goal of Geco Bricks is to combat the problem of waste pollution and provide affordable building materials.

Mellopads

Mellopads is a medical device designed to relieve menstrual pain among African women. Developed by Abigail Ogunyemi, the device uses heat therapy and nerve stimulation to provide a safe and affordable alternative to traditional pain relief methods. With Mellopads, users can control heat levels and activate the nerve stimulation feature for a lower belly massage. This innovative solution offers a more accessible way for women to manage menstrual pain, an important health issue in Africa.

Farmisphere Cold Box

Looking for a sustainable and convenient way to transport fresh produce and seafood from harvesters to urban households? Check out Farmisphere Cold Box, a smart cooling box and digital marketplace developed by Eneyi Oshi. This innovative solution utilizes mobile cooling boxes that can be attached to delivery bikes, ensuring that the products arrive at their destination in optimal condition. With Farmisphere Cold Box, you can enjoy farm fresh produce and seafood without leaving your home

Oke

Check out Oke, a set of hand-made jewelry made from discarded high-density polyethylene plastics. Developed by Ireoluwa Bolakojo, this innovation aims to promote recycling and environmental sustainability through the creative use of waste materials. By incorporating Oke into your wardrobe, you can make a statement while also promoting a greener future.

AquaRes

AquaRes is a cutting-edge device developed by Dr. Tochukwu Ogbuile. It helps fish farmers detect and improve excess nutrient removal from their ponds, prevents algal bloom, and reduces fish mortality rates. Using advanced sensors and analytics, AquaRes measures key water quality parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and ammonia, and provides real-time feedback to farmers.

International Women’s Day

These prototypes showcase the innovative and creative abilities of women in Nigeria, addressing important social and environmental issues with sustainable solutions. Innov8 Hub is proud to have played a role in empowering women to innovate and bring their ideas to life. As we celebrate International Women’s Day with the theme #EmbraceEquity in 2023, we recognize the crucial contributions of women in technology and innovation. We encourage more support for women-led initiatives in Nigeria and beyond. Innov8 Hub remains committed to supporting innovative women in Nigeria through its various programs and initiatives.

Nigerian Girls Can Code Competition comes to an end

The Nigerian Girls Can Code Competition comes to an end. The competition, initiated by the Nigerian Communications Commission and hosted at Innov8 Hub, held for a period of 3 days. The initiators established the Nigerian Girls Can Code competition targeting girls in secondary schools who possess an interest and talent in robotics, artificial intelligence, and coding.

After presenting their projects to the judges, the participants answered relevant questions about their projects and then received evaluations. Afterwards, the students anxiously awaited the announcement of the results.

Award Ceremony

The award ceremony held on the 3rd day of the event, at the headquarters of the NCC.The Executive Commissioner, Engr. Ubale Maska, delivered the opening remark at the event. In the keynote address by Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, he commended the initiative and its positive effect on gender balance. The keynote speaker also encouraged the girls to achieve more in their quest of innovation and creativity. The technical facilitator from Innov8 Hub, Mr. Newton Monye, gave a speech, which was followed by the announcement of the winners.

In the quest to reward all participants, the organisers of the Nigerian Girls Can Code Competition gave a basic cash award of 200,000 Naira to all participating schools.The Ambassadors School from Ota in Ogun state secured the 3rd place and received a cash prize of 500,000 Naira. Federal Government College Maiduguri clinched the 2nd place and earned a cash prize of 1,000,000 Naira. Amid nervous anticipation throughout the hall, the announcement of the winner finally came. At-Tarbiyyah STEM School emerged as the 1st place winner and received a cash prize of 1,500,000 Naira.

In his goodwill message, the chairman of the board of commissioners, NCC, Professor Adeolu Akande lauded the initiative. He spoke on the philosophy of gender inclusiveness by the NCC in their flagship programmes.

Images of the Nigerian Girls Can Code Competition’s top 3 winners in ascending order

Innov8 Hub Hosts Nigerian Girls Can Code Competition

Innov8 Hub in collaboration with the Nigerian Communication Commission, hosted the maiden edition of the Nigerian Girls Can Code competition. The competition was created for girls in secondary schools across all geopolitical zones in Nigeria. It is strictly made for Nigerian girls interested in the practice and theory of Robotics & Coding.

One of the teams preparing for their presentation

At the opening event, the Communications Advisor at Innov8 Hub, Mr. Deji Ige, gave the opening remark, motivating the girls to achieve the best and dare the impossible. The representative of the NCC, Chinwe Maduabum, welcomed all the participants and their mentors to the competition. She proclaimed that Nigerian Girls Can Code and wished the participants the best in their quest for the revered prize.

After a comprehensive tour of the hub, the participants were shown their respective work stations and underwent training sessions. These sessions included courses on Robotics & Artificial Intelligence, as well as IOT & Embedded Systems. The participants also worked with experts from Innov8 Hub for the necessary guidance and assistance with their project. Before the close of day 1, the teams were allocated slots for their presentations by random raffle selections.

On the 2nd day of the Competition, participants presented their projects to 8 judges. They went in turns to present the practical and theory aspects of their projects to the judges. From their reactions before and after their presentations, it was evident that the process was both tasking and demanding, but at the end of the day, they were all grateful for the experience, knowledge and time spent at Innov8 Hub.

Day 2 of the girls can code competition ended with a remark from the representative of the NCC, while guests and participants await the announcement of the results from the competition.

MORE IMAGES FROM THE EVENT

TETFAIR: Market Validation Phase Commences

TETFAIR Market Validation commences. The TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR) commenced its maiden edition at Innov8 Hub on the 5^th of December, 2022.

TETFAIR is an initiative of TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub. The programme is designed for the Nigerian academia from public institutions with ideas and research they intend to turn into Innovation & solution for the Nigerian innovative and technological value-chain.

Participants are currently in the market-validation phase of the year-long programme. This phase is fundamental to the development of new technologies. It involves determining demand for their suggested solution products and getting a better grasp of potential users’ challenges. Validating business ideas enables them to appraise their solution products or services, as well as determine business model sustainability.

Following the Bootcamp in December 2022, participants have been working remotely on their validation process. This involves traveling to meet with potential users, sending out online questionnaires, and field trips to conduct research.

TARGET MARKET VALIDATION COMMENCES

As the TETFAIR market validation commences, some teams have already made field trips to interview potential customers, such as the AniMed team. They visited Ibadan in Oyo State, Nigeria, for an insightful market validation of their Digital Non-Invasive Automatic Livestock Measuring Device.

The SmartAgro team arrived Alabata village to conduct a market validation for their NIMTrack project, with over 20 farmers present. The participants comprised leaders of the Cattle Farmers Association , all engrossed in a very educative and revealing market validation session.

After the TETFAIR market validation, an online mentorship session ensued with a review of the outcomes of the validation process, which translated into insights and decisions on the development of solutions.

Online Engagement on market requirements

Participants also had an online engagement with Mr. Itzik Ronen, CTO of Innov8, where they learned about market requirements documents (MRDs), which are strategic documents written by product managers or product marketing managers to help define the market’s requirements or demand for a particular product. PRDs are used in the product development process to communicate what capabilities must be included in a product. Additionally, they are presently constructing PRD and MRD.