The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, has launched the Xceler8 Programme, a three month virtual accelerator designed to help Nigerian innovators transform scientific and engineering breakthroughs into commercially viable businesses. The initiative is being implemented through the NASENI Innovation Hub in partnership with AfriLabs, with a focus on innovators who have moved beyond the idea stage and developed functional prototypes or market ready products.
Under the programme, the first cohort will select 25 post Minimum Viable Product innovators, with each participant eligible for programme support of up to $25,000. Participants will receive product development assistance, business development support, expert mentorship and opportunities to connect with investors and industry partners as they work towards taking their innovations to the wider market.
Speaking at the launch, NASENI Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, represented by his Special Adviser on ICT and Emerging Technologies, Bashir Aliyu, said Nigeria did not lack innovative minds but needed to close the gap between laboratories and the marketplace. He said the success of innovation should not be measured only by ideas, research papers and prototypes, but by the ability to develop products that solve real problems, attract investment, create jobs and compete commercially.
NASENI said the broader initiative is expected to accelerate 100 innovators, refine 100 Minimum Viable Products and create at least 400 direct and indirect jobs across four cohorts. The programme covers areas including agrotech, renewable energy, fintech, edtech, healthtech and manufacturing, reinforcing the agency’s push to move Nigerian innovation from prototype development to commercial production and economic value creation