Introduction:
Research and Development is the bedrock of some of the world’s novel innovations. Ideas from Academia have proven over time to generate solutions with potential to change the outlook of the world. From Albert Einstein, to Marie Curie and Nigeria’s own Philip Emegwali, solutions from the Ivory Tower (Academia) have shaped the outlook of the world over time.
In recent times, academia has mostly relegated ideas—novel and impactful as they may appear on paper—to publications alone. Mostly, shelves relegate these publications, leaving them with little or no hope of commercialization. Against this backdrop, TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub initiated the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative. This initiative deploys members of academia to use accelerated innovation in tackling critical challenges in society. Over 13 previous cohorts, the future of Research and Development finally seems in safe hands with this initiative.
Research and Development: R4i 14 Opening Event
The 14th Cohort of R4i commenced with an opening event at Innov8 Hub on the 13th of November. This cohort features academics from a hybrid of universities and polytechnics across Nigeria. At the opening event, H.E Mr. Edward Singhatey, director at Innov8 Hub, warmly welcomed the participants. He gave an overview of Innov8 Hub and the R4i initiative to participants. Following his introduction, R4i Facilitator, Engr. Betty Ugona, made a remark. She introduced the participants to the humanity within the innovation eco system.
After the team of technical experts at Innov8 Hub introduced themselves, participants proceeded to introduce themselves, their respective institutions and areas of expertise. The first session with the participants culminated as Chief Facilitator of R4i, Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa, introduced them to R4i, challenges, and team formation.
R4i 14 in View
Over the 10 day-course of R4i 14, participants will be divided into teams. Each team will tackle challenges generated from the UN’s SDGs. After going through critical processes and procedures, they will develop prototypes of their innovations. Thanks to this initiative of TETFund and Innov8 Hub, research and development has been revitalized to positively affect society and lead to the possibility of venture creation, through the drive of innovation.