Israel Funds Fifth Edition of iFAIR for Nigerian Innovators

During the closing ceremony of the fourth cohort of the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (iFAIR) in Abuja, Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, announced funding for the fifth edition of the program. He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and encouraged young entrepreneurs to transform ideas into businesses.

Freeman highlighted that the fellowship aims to empower Nigerian innovators to create local solutions rather than replicate foreign models. He acknowledged the deepening cooperation between Nigeria and Israel in technology, education, healthcare, and water management, thanking TETFund and Innov8 Hub for their support.

Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFund, noted that iFAIR bridges the gap between research and industry, promoting the commercialization of university inventions. Tolulope Aina from Innov8 Hub stated that Nigeria has abundant innovative talent but needs stronger systems to convert ideas into industries.

The iFAIR program, a partnership between the Embassy of Israel in Nigeria, TETFund, and Innov8 Hub, provides mentorship and investment opportunities to help entrepreneurs develop sustainable businesses.