The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) has allocated grants totaling $250,000 to support the efforts of four Nigerian research teams in transforming their findings into practical goods and services for commercial use.
Sonny Echono, representing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), shared this news during the launch event of SGCI’s research grants bootcamp held in Abuja. These grants are part of the Research for Impact Initiative (R41) managed by TETFund. Under this initiative, four teams were selected to receive collaborative funding supported by Innov8 Technology Hub, aimed at advancing their innovative projects.
Dr. Salihu Bakare, Director of Research Innovation and Development at TETFund, highlighted that SGCI, which involves 17 Science Granting Councils across sub-Saharan Africa, initiated these grants. Nigeria, having joined SGCI in 2020, is now part of a regional effort to enhance science financing and promote evidence-based policies for socio-economic development.
The $250,000 funding will enable Nigerian research teams to pursue diverse projects with significant potential impact. These include advancements in garri processing—a staple food in Nigeria—and pioneering efforts in renewable energy solutions. The primary objective is to bridge the gap between theoretical research outcomes and practical applications, thereby fostering innovations that can be effectively utilized and marketed within Nigeria.
Bakare emphasized a crucial aspect of the grant: guiding research teams through the process of developing their innovations into prototypes ready for the market. This involves not only refining the technical aspects of their discoveries but also actively engaging with industries to ensure that these innovations translate into tangible economic benefits.
He expressed confidence that the funding will empower the selected teams to refine their research ideas into prototypes and successfully introduce them to the market. This strategic approach aims to leverage scientific discoveries to drive economic growth and technological advancement within Nigeria, contributing to the country’s development goals.
In summary, the SGCI grants represent a substantial investment in Nigeria’s research and innovation landscape. They aim to promote solutions that address local challenges and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness through innovation-driven growth.
