UNILAG Hosts 2024 I2M Demo Day, Showcasing Innovative Startups Driving Nigeria’s Future

The 2024 Innovation to Market (I2M) Incubator Program reached a major milestone as 24 dynamic startups presented groundbreaking solutions at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Centre (AMDRC), University of Lagos, on Friday, November 15, 2024.

The event marked the culmination of the program’s first phase, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to pitch transformative ideas addressing local and global challenges to a panel of industry experts.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Abiodun Gbenga-Ilori, Project Lead and former Director of the Innovation Technology Management Office (ITMO), highlighted the program's role as a launchpad for innovation. She noted its significant contributions to Nigeria’s development by equipping startups with mentorship, prototype funding, and intellectual property support.

Since its launch in 2023, the I2M Program has engaged over 500 applicants, empowering participants to transform their ideas into sustainable businesses. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Dr. Gbenga-Ilori stated. “Many incubatees have gained the tools and insights needed to bring their innovations to market.”

Among the standout projects presented was Herbal Infusion, which taps into Nigeria’s botanical resources for therapeutic products, and the Automatic Fisher Feeder, a mobile-controlled device revolutionizing pet and livestock care, particularly in rural areas.

Startups also showcased innovations in agriculture, healthcare, sustainable energy, and technology, reflecting the program’s impact on fostering solutions to critical societal challenges.

Mrs. Alice Omisore, Country Technical Lead at the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA), commended the participants for their creativity and problem-solving skills. She emphasized the importance of scaling these ideas for broader impact and reiterated RISA’s commitment to funding locally developed solutions that address Africa’s pressing challenges.

Key speakers, including Professor Ayodele V. Atsenuwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), and mentors like Mr. Attah Musa Anzaku, praised the ingenuity of the entrepreneurs and the program’s role in building a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

Professor Atsenuwa acknowledged the program's transformative impact on Nigeria’s innovation landscape, thanking the panel of experts for their mentorship and support.

Mrs. Folasade Erics of the Lagos State Education Trust Fund also lauded the incubator for connecting passionate entrepreneurs with industry leaders and potential investors, creating opportunities to scale their businesses.

The I2M Program, funded by the UK’s International Development Department, continues its mission to nurture Nigeria’s next generation of innovators. The second cohort will showcase their innovations on Friday, November 22, 2024, promising another wave of groundbreaking ideas.

As the event concluded, optimism filled the air, with participants expressing gratitude for the opportunity to grow their ventures and make a meaningful impact on society.