Category: Research for Impact (R4i)

Unveiling R4i 10: Transforming Academic Ideas into Innovations for National Impact

The stage is set once again as the 10th edition of the Research for Impact Initiative (R4i) takes flight. This initiative, a collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 Hub, has returned with renewed vigor. The goal? to catalyze innovation and solutions within the Nigerian academia. With commitment to global best practices, R4i serves as a beacon for cultivating research and translating them into real-world applications.

Embarking on a 10-day transformative journey, the 10th cohort of R4i participants represents an assembly of academic minds from various public Universities and Polytechnics across Nigeria’s diverse 6 geo-political zones. At the heart of R4i 10 lies an ambitious goal: to harness the collective brilliance of these individuals and channel it into solutions that will demystify some of Nigeria’s most pressing societal challenges.

Unveiling R4i 10: Opening Event

H.E Mr. Edward Singhatey delivered an opening remark, offering insight into Innov8 Hub and the Research for Impact Initiative. Following this, Engr. Betty Ugona, an R4i Facilitator, delivered a resonant reminder to the participants. She urged them to immerse not just their heads, but also their hands and hearts into the forthcoming activities. Introductions to the experts from Innov8 Hub, who would be pivotal to the participants’ journey, added a layer of anticipation. The participants themselves took center stage, introducing their academic affiliations, personal backgrounds, and areas of expertise.

The official launch of R4i 10 followed suit, led by Chief Facilitator Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa. He transitioned the participants from introductions to action by outlining the challenges ahead and forming cohesive teams—a pivotal step that would shape the course of the program.

Unveiling R4i 10: An Overview

The Research for Impact Initiative stands tall as a pioneering force in Nigeria’s innovation landscape, setting it apart from other initiatives. Its hallmark lies in the rapid acceleration of innovative concepts, transforming scholarly notions into tangible innovations that hold the promise of commercialization. Moreover, R4i masterfully orchestrates the Triple Helix Synergy—forging strong connections between the Government, Academia, and Industry. This collaboration lays the groundwork for national development, academic excellence, and government foresight, poised to usher in transformative growth.

Gratitude for these groundbreaking strides goes to TETFund, guided by the visionary leadership of Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono. Under his guidance, R4i has evolved into a beacon of innovation, lighting the path towards a future where academia’s brightest ideas become society’s tangible solutions.

As R4i 10 unfolds, the excitement and potential for impactful transformation are palpable. The convergence of intellectual prowess, visionary leadership, and collaborative synergy promises not only to shape the trajectory of the participants’ careers but to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s progress on a national scale. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the stories of innovation, collaboration, and impact.

R4i 8.0 Recap: The Research for Impact Initiative (R4i) is revolutionizing research, development, and innovation in Nigeria through the collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 Hub. This initiative has empowered members of the Nigerian Academia from various tertiary institutions across the country to develop innovative prototypes.

At R4i 8.0, 18 participants were nominated from Polytechnics across Nigeria’s geo-political zones. They underwent rigorous processes and procedures at Innov8 Hub, which were essential in converting research into tangible innovations.

At R4i 8.0, the facilitators divided participants into 4 teams, with each team dedicated to addressing crucial societal challenges. These teams included:

No Poverty

Good Health and Well-Being

Quality Education

Affordable and Clean Energy

R4i 8.0 Recap: The Closing Event

The closing event of R4i 8.0 witnessed the presence of members from the Government, Academia, and Industry. Among them were the Executive Secretaries of TETFund and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Architect Sonny S.T Echono and Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje, respectively.

Architect Sonny S.T Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, expressed his delight at the progress made through the R4i Initiative. He emphasized the need for a change in mindset, urging the adoption of time-tested techniques and sustainable strategies for economic growth, anchored on production.

Similarly, Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, praised the collaborative spirit of the R4i Initiative. He emphasized the significance of teamwork and highlighted that major innovations in modern science and technology have always been the result of collective efforts.

The climax of the event was the premiere of pitch videos showcasing the prototypes developed by each team:

TEAM No Poverty presented Digifact, a digital data-collecting platform designed for teachers. This innovation has the potential to empower educators, increasing their earnings, and reducing poverty among low-income teachers.

Team Good Health and Well-Being created Skinchek, a skin moisture detector created to identify moisture-associated skin disorders, promoting better health and well-being.

The Quality Education Team unveiled LECTUREAID. This innovation is an education platform for displaying teaching materials and conducting practical activities, enhancing the overall quality of education.

TEAM Affordable and Clean Energy presented GreenRadiant. This innovation represents a solar IOT-based micro-grid system designed for smart energy control and consumption management.

The collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 Hub has reintroduced research and development through innovation to Nigeria. This collaboration, focused on the academia, has also strengthened the Triple Helix Synergy, bringing together the Government, Academia, and Industry for a brighter and more innovative future.

Impact, Research, & Nigerian Academia: Strengthening the Triple Helix Synergy

The Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative commenced today at Innov8 Hub, Abuja. It marks the continuation of an exciting collaboration between the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Innov8 Hub. This ground-breaking initiative aims to foster research, development, and innovation within the Nigerian Academia.

Specifically designed for academics in Polytechnics across the country, R4i 8.0 edition will span over 11 days. Participants will immerse themselves in critical processes, procedures, and courses essential for transforming research into innovation. In addition, R4i strives to reinforce the Triple Helix Synergy among the Government, Academia, and Industry.

The Opening Event

At the opening event, His Excellency, Mr. Edward Singhatey, provided an overview of the R4i initiative. He acquainting the participants with its objectives and importance. Following this, R4i facilitator Engr. Betty Ugona, delivered a presentation on emotional intelligence and its relevance to the innovation process.

To facilitate networking and knowledge exchange, participants were introduced to experts at Innov8 Hub. They also had the opportunity to introduce themselves, their respective institutions, and areas of discipline.

Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa, the Chief Facilitator of R4i, delivered an in-depth presentation on the scope of the R4i Initiative. He provided insights into the challenges that lie ahead. Additionally, participants were introduced to team formation, promoting a collaborative environment conducive to innovation. As a fitting conclusion to the opening event, the participants were given a comprehensive tour of Innov8 Hub and its state-of-the-art facilities, enhancing their understanding of the resources available to them throughout R4i 8.0.

Impact & Research in the Nigerian Academia: The Ripple Effect

The Research for Impact Initiative continues to pave the way for transforming novel ideas from academia into functional prototypes. With the support and sponsorship of the government through TETFund, industry experts provide valuable guidance and assistance in bringing these ideas to life. By fostering collaboration and innovation, R4i empowers Nigerian academics to make a lasting impact on society and drive meaningful change through their research endeavors.

R4i 7.0 Recap: The Research for Impact Initiative (R4i) continues to shape the landscape of Research and Development and innovation in Nigerian Academia. R4i is an initiative of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in collaboration with Innov8 Hub. This initiative converges members of the Nigerian Academia at Innov8 Hub, the epicenter of innovation and start-up incubation in Nigeria.

R4i aims to enhance the research capacities of academics from tertiary institutions across Nigeria and assist them in translating their ideas into innovative solutions aligned with Global Best Practices. Recently, R4i 7.0 brought together academics from Polytechnics nationwide, who arrived at Innov8 Hub on June 19th 2023. During their stay, they leveraged accelerated innovation to tackle societal challenges in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

R4i 7.0: Team Distribution

Participants were grouped into teams to address challenges in their immediate environments and actively applied innovative approaches to address them. The teams included:

• Team Good Health & Well-Being
• Team Industry, Infrastructure & Innovation
• Team Responsible Consumption & Production
• Team Life on Land

R4i 7.0: The Innovations

Team Good Health & Well-Being created ‘Propurity,’ a contactless smart automated UV chamber that actively monitors the waste disposal process, effectively reducing human exposure to infectious diseases.

Team Industry, Infrastructure & Innovation created ReQuip. This innovation is a talent cloud application providing access to a vast database of deeply vetted technicians, artisans, and handymen, tailored to industrial needs.

Team Responsible Consumption & Production introduced Ecocharc, a device that converts paper waste into charcoal without oxygen. Using a briquette-making machine, individuals can transform the waste material into briquettes.

Team Life on Land presented Airllinc. This innovation is a device that filters indoor air to remove particulate matter, creating a healthier living environment.

R4i 7.0: The Closing Event

The closing event of R4i 7.0 witnessed the paradigm shift in academia and the strengthening of the Triple Helix Synergy, with government, academia, and industry representatives in attendance. Dr. Salihu Bakari, Director of R&D at TETFund, commended the initiative and shared TETFund’s projections for the advancement of Research & Development in Nigeria. The closing event showcased pitch videos of the teams’ innovations, and presented certificates to each participant.

The participants’ representative expressed their gratitude, highlighting the lasting positive impression of the R4i initiative. They pledged to carry back the invaluable benefits of R4i to their respective institutions and the broader Nigerian society.

Research for Impact Commences:The Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative 7.0 commenced today at Innov8 Hub, Abuja. R4i is a collaborative initiative of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Innov8 Hub.

R4i is a ground-breaking initiative that seeks to connect research, development and innovation among members of the Nigerian Academia.

The R4i 7.0 edition is specifically for academics in Polytechnics across the country. Over 11 days, participants would engross themselves in critical processes, procedures, and courses necessary to translate research ideas into innovation and solutions. R4i also seeks to strengthen the Triple Helix Synergy among the Government, Academia and Industry.

Research for Impact commences: Opening Event

At the opening event, His Excellency, Mr. Edward Singhatey gave an overview of the R4i initiative to the participants. Engr. Betty Ugona gave a presentation following the opening remark, intimated the participants on emotional intelligence as it relates to Innovation. 

Participants took turns introducing themselves, their respective institutions and their areas of specialization. The R4i 7.0 participants were in turn introduced to Heads of Department at Innov8 Hub, who they would be closely working with during their residence at Innov8 Hub.

The Research for Impact Initiative leads the path towards developing novel ideas from the academia into functional prototypes, with the assistance of industry experts and sponsorship from the government through TETFund.

The Research for Impact Initiative (R4i) 6.0, Nigeria’s foremost initiative in research, development, and innovation, came to an end on June 16, 2023, at Innov8 Hub.

R4i is an initiative of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in collaboration with Innov8 Hub. Members of Nigerian academia from public institutions are the target of the initiative, which aims to foster innovation, research, and development.

R4i Triple Helix Synergy: Team Sharing

During the 11-day program, participants actively engaged in fundamental courses and processes that equipped them with the necessary skills to transform research findings into innovative solutions.Shared into 4 teams, participants took on societal challenges in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These teams included:

• Team Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• Team Good Health & Well-being
• Team Clean Water & Sanitation
• Team Life on Land

These teams developed prototypes in line with the SDGs addressed.

R4i Triple Helix Synergy: Closing Event

At the closing event, officials from the government, academia, and captains of industry were all present. Their attendance confirms the advancement of the Triple Helix Synergy in Nigeria.

The Triple Helix Synergy is a concept that describes the mutually beneficial relationship between government, academia, and industry. It is a key driver of innovation and economic growth.

The representative of the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Dr. Salihu Bakari, lauded the progress of the R4i Initiative. He also intimated the audience on the philosophies and projections of TETFund in relation to research and development in Nigeria.

In his words: “Our collaboration with Innov8 Hub will help us bring the needs of the society and the needs of the industry to the doorstep of the academia for solutions.”

The Director of Research and Development, TETFund, also stated: “We no longer fund research for research, we have to do research for impact.”

The Pitch Premiere

At R4i 6.0, the 4 teams premiered pitch videos of their prototypes to guests in attendance.

Team Good Health & Well-being developed iDetect23. The automated over-speed detector and recorder is an innovation that utilizes a real-time operating system. It sends data to the relevant authorities via a secure IoT platform.

Team Life on Land developed i-Gel 23. This innovation is a reusable multipurpose device. It has the capacity of harvesting, storing, and releasing atmospheric water directly to the roots of plants.

Team Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure developed Jollyfryer. This innovation aids the production of Garri by eliminating the need for sieving prior to frying. It also harnesses the power of solar energy and gas heating.

Team Clean Water and Sanitation developed Water 23. The innovation can be operated without access to electricity. It is designed to detect and eliminate waterborne pathogens and reduce health-related issues associated with contaminated water.

R4i: The Ripple Effect

The Research for Impact initiative continues to strengthen the Triple Helix Synergy among the government, academia, and industry.

The Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative 6.0 commenced today at Innov8 Hub. The R4i participants, carefully selected through nomination, converged at Innov8 Hub today for the Opening Event.

About R4i

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) collaborated with Innov8 Hub to conceive the Research for Impact Initiative. The program, spanning 11 days, specifically caters to members of Nigerian academia from public institutions. These participants aspire to transform their research ideas into innovative solutions.

Research for Impact 6.0: Opening Event

At the opening event, Innov8 Hub extended a warm welcome to the participants and provided an overview of the expectations for R4i. Each participant then introduced themselves, their respective institutions, and their areas of specialization. Subsequently, they were enlightened about the core objectives of the R4i.

Innov8 Experts, who will closely work with the participants, were introduced next. They will be offering guidance to participants in realizing their goal of transforming research ideas into prototypes.

The lead facilitator of R4i then proceeded to provide detailed information on the R4i initiative to participants. He guided them through an exploration of societal challenges and team formation, aligning efforts with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The Research for Impact Initiative is an innovative concept that addresses the gap between research, development, and innovation in Nigeria. Over 11 days, participants will immerse themselves in practical steps and procedures required to accelerate innovation and transform ideas into tangible solutions.

Research for Impact 6.0: The Triple Helix Synergy

The collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 Hub for the Research for Impact Initiative is particularly significant at this time, as it challenges the notion that ideas from the Nigerian Academia are no longer impactful or relevant. By promoting economic diversification through innovation, this initiative strengthens the Triple Helix Synergy among the Government, Academia, and Industry, driving societal development and advancement.

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!

On November 25^th 2022, the Research for Impact workshop 3.2, initiated by TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub, came to an end.

Over a 10-day period, members of academia from different Polytechnics in Nigeria were participants in the workshop. During the course of their stay, the lecturers went through the comprehensive process of converting research into prototype development. They selected challenges based on the SDGs and worked in teams to find solutions.

At the end of the workshop:

A Bio-Briquette Making Machine was created by TEAM Climate Action. It is a superior fuel substitute to firewood or charcoal that burns cleaner, longer, and more effectively.

An In-Situ Decision Support System was developed by TEAM End Hunger. The system allows farmers in both rural and urban areas to manage their crops effectively.

TEAM Infrastructure developed a Flood Warning System for the foresight and potential prevention of floods.

TEAM Good Health’s innovation ClosR, is a web-based application created for timely intervention in cases of drug or substance abuse among Nigerians, with a focus on the younger generation.  

The Executive Secretary of TETFund Architect Sony Echono, represented by the director of the E.S’ office Architect Uche Nwogu, praised the initiative under the guidance of the Executive Secretary. He also encouraged the participants to carry with them the innovation spirit back to their respective institutions.

Speaking on behalf of Innov8 Hub, His Excellency, Mr. Edward Singhatey was full of praise for the Research for impact initiative. He commended TETFund, congratulated the participants for being totally involved in the process, and also lauded Innov8 Hub staff for their role played throughout the workshop. At the close of the event, the R4i participants were presented with certificates, signaling the end of their workshop.