The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) is a one-year, intensive capacity-building and product development journey designed specifically for academics, researchers, and innovators, particularly those alumni from the Research for Impact (R4I) program. The SGCI initiative plays a key role in strengthening national research and innovation ecosystem by implementing competitive funding schemes that stimulate high-impact research and innovation in tertiary institutions.

Innov8 Hub proudly hosted the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) Demo Day, a landmark event that brought together a dynamic community of researchers, innovators, and institutional stakeholders to celebrate the transformative power of research-driven innovation. As part of the one-year SGCI capacity-building journey, Demo Day marked the culmination of months of rigorous training, mentorship, and product development undertaken by selected academics and researchers — many of whom are alumni of the Research for Impact (R4I) program.

The event provided a high-impact platform for participants to pitch their prototypes and early-stage innovations, each developed with the goal of addressing real-world problems across various sectors. From health and education to agriculture and renewable energy, the solutions showcased demonstrated a clear commitment to designing technologies that are not only viable but also scalable, sustainable, and locally relevant.

In attendance were distinguished dignitaries from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), alongside other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem. Their presence underscored the growing recognition of the importance of initiatives like SGCI in building national capacity and accelerating the transition from academic research to market-ready products.

More than just a presentation of ideas, the SGCI Demo Day reflected the program’s emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking, user-centered design, and innovation-led problem-solving. The energy in the room was electric, as each team took to the stage to pitch their vision, explain their process, and highlight the potential impact of their solutions.

By equipping researchers with the tools, mindset, and mentorship required to turn ideas into impactful innovations, the SGCI initiative is playing a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. Demo Day was not just the end of a journey — it was the beginning of real-world impact.