FG Urges Universities to Commercialize Research for Innovation

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through Dr. Raji Kolawole, the Director General of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), has called on universities and research institutions to transform their research into marketable products.

This announcement was made during a press briefing in Abuja, marking the kickoff of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026. The challenge is designed to serve as a catalyst for national development and aims to position Nigeria as an innovation powerhouse in Africa, focusing on high-impact sectors such as artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors, and green energy.

The application window for the challenge will open on February 26, 2026, and close on March 28, 2026. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to mobilize investment and support for startups, bridging the gap between research and the marketplace.

The NBTI aims to secure significant investments to enhance Nigeria's innovation landscape.