The TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR) program continues its fourth edition, and things are getting exciting! Following successful phases in market validation, business modeling, and high-level design, TETFAIR 4 has arrived at the initial Prototype Development Bootcamp stage at Innov8 Hub. TETFAIR 4 brings together brilliant minds from universities across Nigeria. Selected based on their innovative ideas, these participants embark on a year-long journey to develop viable solutions with the potential to address real-world challenges and contribute to national development.
Building the First Prototype: A Collaborative Effort
The PT1 Bootcamp commenced with the Heads of Technical Projects and Venture Programs warmly welcoming the teams and intimating them with the blueprint for the bootcamp. PT 1 commences with different sets of participants arriving for a comprehensive 3-day bootcamp. During this time, each team will:
Define team objectives: Working together, each team clarifies their goals and ensures everyone is on the same page.
Prototype with experts: Guided by Innov8 Hub’s technical specialists, participants traverse the immersive world of prototyping, bringing their ideas to life.
Project management & support: Dedicated project managers and additional resources are made available to assist teams throughout the process.
Debrief and progress discussions: Regular debriefing sessions allow teams to share their progress, address challenges, and refine their approach.
The Journey Continues!
This is just the beginning of the TETFAIR 4 Prototype Development Bootcamp. Stay tuned for further updates as different sets of teams make incredible strides in transforming their innovative ideas. Be sure to follow Innov8 Hub on social media to stay connected and witness the remarkable progress of TETFAIR!
Imagine a world where academic brilliance translates into impactful solutions for real-world problems. This transformative vision lies at the heart of the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative. R4i is a collaborative effort of TETFund and Innov8 Hub that empowers Nigerian academics to become agents of change.
Participants are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and tangible solutions. The initiative’s 18th cohort recently concluded, showcasing a remarkable array of prototypes addressing critical societal challenges.
From Preserving Produce to Empowering the Elderly:
Team 1 (Obafemi Awolowo University): Their innovation “TomaVeg Chiller” extends the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, minimizing food waste and ensuring households have access to fresh, nutritious produce – a significant step towards achieving SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
Team 2 (Anambra State Polytechnic): “GO360” ensures a year-round supply of mangoes by stabilizing storage conditions, promoting SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Team 3 (Kaduna Polytechnic): Recognizing the growing needs of an aging population, their “CASD” cognitive Aided Simulation Device empowers the elderly with cognitive support, fostering independence and well-being, aligning with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Team 4 (University of Ilorin): Champions of sustainability, their “FIBAP” offers an eco-friendly alternative with its biodegradable water bottle and nylon hybrid, contributing to SDG 13: Climate Action.
Team 5 (University of Maiduguri): Committed to safeguarding crucial systems, their “F-Detector” promptly identifies and alerts users to faults, ensuring efficient operations and aligning with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
Beyond the Prototypes:
The impact of R4i extends far beyond the impressive prototypes. Participants gain invaluable skills in research, development, pitching, and project management. This transforms them into confident innovators equipped to tackle future challenges. They leave not just with prototypes, but with the ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and advocate for their ideas. These skills empower them to become changemakers in their world as they continue to research for impact.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In the vast landscape of Nigeria, where agriculture is not just a way of life but a backbone of the economy, farmers face a unique set of challenges. From the heart of this bustling agricultural sphere emerges a visionary solution that promises to transform animal management – NIMTrack, a wireless network-based system developed by TEAM 4 from TETFAIR.
The Struggle of Animal Management
In the heart of Nigeria’s rural expanse, farmers have long grappled with a persistent problem – effectively tracking and monitoring animals. From the nimble small livestock to the larger animals, the absence of a reliable and comprehensive system has hindered progress. Ensuring animal health, preventing theft, and managing herding practices have been uphill battles, complicated by technological limitations and infrastructural obstacles.
The Genesis of NIMTrack
Introducing TEAM 4, an alliance of brilliance hailing from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta. Comprising Professor Oluwasefunmi Arogundade, a Software Engineer; Professor Olubukola Isah, an Animal Scientist; and Dr. Adebayo Abayomi-Alli, an embedded systems engineer, this innovative team embarked on a mission to reshape Nigeria’s Agri-tech landscape.
Team 4 working on their prototype alongside an Electronics expert at Innov8 Hub
From Ideation to Innovation
NIMTrack’s journey began with a spark, ignited during the Market Validation stage of TETFAIR. Gathering insights from cattle owners, animal researchers, and technology experts, TEAM 4 meticulously shaped their innovation. This collaborative endeavor marked the first step towards developing a solution that would bridge the gap between technological advancement and on-ground agricultural realities.
But as any trailblazer knows, the path to innovation is laden with obstacles. Challenges arose, demanding creative solutions. The NIMTrack collars faced the rigors of the wild and the harsh conditions of nomadic management systems. Alas, they faltered, prompting a reimagining of durability. Cattle with long horns stood beyond the collars’ grasp, necessitating ingenious adjustability. Further hurdles lay in validating the node-to-gateway distance and battery run time, yet TEAM 4 remained resolute.
The Prototype Evolution
At the second Prototype Development Bootcamp, NIMTrack is transforming. As the team huddles over refinement, the NIMTrack V2 prototype is emerging, like a phoenix from the ashes. The new version not only promises robustness through adjustable collars but also embraced alternative power sources via solar panels, reducing the carbon footprint. A sophisticated power management system is also being woven into its fabric, optimizing efficiency.
But innovation doesn’t stop there. The team’s dedication births a waterproof, stress-resistant, and tracking device. These enhancements, would shield NIMTrack from the harshest of elements, preserving its functionality..
Toward a Transformed Future
As the sun rises over the fields of innovation, TEAM 4 continues its journey, determined to perfect NIMTrack. Their efforts echo the resounding sentiment that defines Nigeria’s spirit – a relentless pursuit of progress against all odds. With NIMTrack, the agricultural tapestry of Nigeria stands poised for transformation. Animal management, once a challenge, is now transcending into a realm of possibilities.
So, keep your eyes peeled and your hearts open as NIMTrack paves the way for a future where technology and agriculture intertwine seamlessly. In the heart of Nigeria’s agri-tech revolution, TEAM 4 and NIMTrack are leading the charge, one collar at a time; thanks to the platform provided by TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub.
The United Nations General Assembly in 2022 passed a resolution to proclaim the 30th 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.
The Research for Impact workshop 3.1, initiated by TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub, came to an end on the 18th of November, 2022.
Over an 11-day period, members of academia from different Polytechnics across Nigeria, were participants in the workshop. These lecturers went through the holistic process of turning research into prototype development over the duration of their stay. The participants chose challenges based on SDGs, and were shared into teams to turn problems into solutions.
At the end of the workshop:
TEAM Quality Education developed a Vibrotactile Telemetry; a mobile application that uses Morse codes to aid the learning of visually and hearing-impaired students in primary and secondary schools.
TEAM Energy developed a Home Energy Consumption Limiter & Monitor, for the provision of affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.
TEAM End Hunger’s innovation was a Solar-Powered Agricultural Spraying Machine, developed to tackle the labour associated with small-scale farming; with a special focus on women in rural areas.
TEAM Clean Water & Sanitation developed a Mini Water Treatment Plant, to provide clean and safe water.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Architect Sony Echono, represented by the director of the E.S’ office, Architect Uche Nwogu, challenged the participants not to stop the process of innovation, and also reminded them to continuously build their innovative capacities.
Speaking on behalf of Innov8 Hub, His Excellency, Mr. Edward Singhatey was full of praise for the Research for impact workshop. He commended TETFund for the initiative, congratulated the participants for being fully immersed in the process, and also lauded Innov8 Hub staff for the role played throughout the workshop.
At the close of the event, the R4i participants were presented with their certificates, signalling the end of their workshop.
18 academics and researchers from polytechnics across Nigeria commenced the second batch of the Research for Impact (R4i) capacity-building initiative of TETFUND, in collaboration with Innov8 Hub, on the 14th of November, 2022.
At the opening session, the General Manager of Innov8 Hub gave a brief welcome address, urging participants to be involved in every stage of their innovation, research, and development journey.
Subsequently, the Head of Product Design shared insights on the Hub’s activities with the new participants. He motivated the participants to break limits and explore their innovative minds by sharing some success stories of Innov8 Associates from previous programs of the Hub. He described how Innov8 Hub promotes the Nigerian innovation ecosystem through prototypes developed, the people and mentors who have gone through Innov8 Hub initiatives, resulting in the development and commercialization of their prototypes. The R4i participants were also introduced to Innov8 Hub experts who would engage with them throughout the workshop.
The Head of programs at Innov8 Hub later introduced participants to the core components of the workshop. He spoke about the importance of transforming ideas into solutions; informing participants on the process that would lead to the development of their prototypes.
The process of delivering public statements is known as public speaking. Recent research has shown that up to 75% of people suffer from Glossophobia. Glossophobia is a prevalent phobia which is the fear of public speaking. It isn’t a dangerous illness or chronic disease; it is just the medical name for fear of public speaking. Fear of speaking in public is a typical form of anxiety that most of us have experienced. Individuals with glossophobia may avoid speaking in public, as they typically experience fear and anxiety when speaking in front of a group.
This anxiety may not be restricted to talking to large audiences alone; these people may also have difficulty speaking in meetings, classrooms, groups, etc.
Being tense during a public speaking event affects the way the message is going to be passed or the quantity of the message. Fearful presenters frequently try to avoid the audience in the hopes that this would reduce their level of anxiety.
For instance, many speakers avoid eye contact with the audience to avoid “the judgmental look”. But the problem with this is that you would also not notice when your audience seems more interested or have questions.
You tend to focus more on your thoughts when you don’t have audience contact. And if you are a nervous speaker, your thoughts are bound to be negative and unrealistic.
As a nervous speaker, efforts to hide your fear so that it would not be noticed create additional fear. It just adds to the anxiety that you already feel.
– Ayooluwa Oluwafemi
Tips for Overcoming your Fear of Public Speaking
There are various ways one can overcome the fear of public speaking, some of which include;
Practicing out loud;
Do well to practice out loud, as it is one of the most crucial points. It would help if you practised because reading in the head doesn’t exercise your vocal organs; reading out loud does—practice in front of your family and friends for honest feedback.
Do some deep breathing;
Take two or more deep breaths, and this can be very calming. Take long, deliberate breaths before stepping up to the stage and throughout your speech.
Get organized.
Prepare the content you wish to offer ahead of time, including any audio or visual aids. The better prepared you are, the less worried you will be. If possible, visit the place you’ll be speaking and review available equipment before your presentation.
Familiarize yourself with the space
arrive early and, if suitable, get on the stage; if not; imagine the audience and where you will stand on stage. Check that all equipment, such as a laptop or projector, is operational.
Understand your audience
will you be speaking to a group of specialists or someone who is unfamiliar with the subject? Being aware of your audience can assist you in structuring and preparing for your presentation. You should always know more than your audience does.
Don’t memorize your speech
committing your entire speech to memory and then forgetting even one line of it might cause things to spin out of control and leave you unable to remember the rest of it. It is far better to know the essence of what you want to communicate than memorizing your speech.
Preparation is the key to conquering your fear of public speaking. Solid preparation would make you feel more confident and comfortable with the whole experience and it makes you more confident in your capabilities as a fantastic public speaker.
