NASENI Launches $25,000 Accelerator for Innovators

On September 6, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) launched the NASENI Xceler8 Programme, a strategic accelerator initiative aimed at transforming Nigerian scientific and engineering innovations into commercially viable businesses. This program, implemented by the NASENI Innovation Hub in partnership with AfriLabs, targets 100 innovators with functional prototypes or Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that demonstrate market demand.

Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, represented by Engineer Bashir Aliyu, emphasized that the true value of innovation lies in its ability to solve real problems and create jobs. The initiative aims to refine 100 MVPs and generate at least 400 direct and indirect jobs across four cohorts.

Participants will receive support valued at up to $25,000 per cohort, including mentorship, business development, and market access. The top 10 innovators from each cohort will pitch their ideas at a Demo Day in Abuja to potential investors and industry stakeholders.