The Ekiti State Government, in partnership with Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa, has launched the second edition of the £7,000 Innovation Grant for young innovators in the state. This initiative, designed to fuel sustainable innovation and address local challenges, aims to empower the next generation of problem solvers by offering £7,000 in funding, mentorship, and training.
This programme aligns with the mission of Ekiti’s Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy (MISDE) and Innovate UK’s commitment to driving technological progress and economic growth in the region.
“We’re excited to bring back the Young Innovators Programme after the success of last year’s edition,” said Joshua Adedeji, Innovate UK’s country lead for Nigeria. “This year promises to be even more impactful as we continue to support young innovators in Ekiti State with the tools and resources they need to bring their ideas to life.”
The initiative reflects a shared dedication to cultivating a culture of innovation in Ekiti State, with a focus on fostering collaboration rather than competition. The programme is designed to meet the specific needs of young innovators in the state, featuring a rigorous selection process, hands-on workshops, and expert mentoring sessions. By engaging industry leaders, academic institutions, and previous participants, the programme seeks to create a vibrant and nurturing environment for innovation.
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Seun Fakuade, Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy, recently visited Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa’s Nigeria office to finalise the plans for the programme. This visit highlighted the ongoing commitment to building a strong innovation ecosystem in Ekiti State through the Innovate UK Place-Based Innovation (PBI) initiative.
The PBI initiative leverages expertise and resources from the UK and across Africa to strengthen local innovation networks, aiming for a more inclusive and sustainable ecosystem.
“The first edition of the Young Innovators Programme was a major success, with 10 participants making significant strides,” Fakuade noted. “Last year, the top three innovators—Odunola Olabintan of Health City, Yomi Adetunji of RISE (Rice Inventory Storage Exchange), and Mayowa Olajide of Motivar—shared £5,000 in prizes. This year, we’re increasing the prize to £7,000 to further motivate our young talents and celebrate their innovative contributions.”
Interested participants are encouraged to apply now by visiting the application page.
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