The TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR) wrapped up its inaugural edition on December 7th, 2023. This year-long program, initiated by TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub, empowers Nigerian academics to transform their research into tangible innovations, solutions, and enterprise.
TETFAIR 1: A Journey of Innovation
TETFAIR 1 involved a series of intensive phases, starting with a bootcamp that kicked off a year ago. Teams of academics from diverse Nigerian universities embarked on a journey that included prototype development, market validation, mentorship, entrepreneurship training, venture creation, and finally, prototype pitching.
A Showcase of Brilliance
The culminating TETFAIR Showcase Event brought together distinguished guests, dignitaries, and stakeholders from the government, academia, and industry. Among these distinguished individuals were the Honorable Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Simon B. Lalong, and prominent members of the National Assembly.
The event served as a platform to showcase the remarkable innovations developed by the various teams. Guests were captivated by the ingenuity of Nigerian academics, witnessing prototypes with the potential to address pressing societal challenges and pave the way for successful ventures.
TETFAIR 1: The Innovations
- ANiMeDRig: A non-invasive poultry measurement, data collection, and analysis system (Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta).
- Choice Feeds: Affordable and efficient floating fish feed for Nigerian fish farmers (Federal University of Technology, Akure).
- Nimtrack: Wireless network-based system for tracking and monitoring the movement of animals (Federal University of Agriculture, Akure).
- Blue Bird Drone Technology: Drone equipped with innovative solutions for dispersing birds away from farms (Federal University, Birnin Kebbi).
- Harvest Guard: Cost-effective vegetable dryer utilizing air transfer technology to minimize energy consumption (Federal University of Technology, Owerri).
- Ogbonno Go: Well-packaged Ogbono flour with an extended shelf life and an accompanying Ogbono soup kit (Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife).
- Bug Delight: Shelf-stable, protein-rich, ready-to-eat product using traditional edible insects to combat malnutrition (University of Ibadan).
- Zobox: Machine designed to minimize hygiene challenges and expenses in Zobo production for SMEs (University of Nigeria, Nsukka).
- Digitized Flywheel Educational Device: Educational kit for hands-on Physics studies focusing on flywheels (Edo State University, Uzairue).
- Texzik: Advanced automation solution for textile drying process, improving cost efficiency for SMEs (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka).
- Chord Hearing Aid: Self-programmable, affordable hearing aid tailored for the African market (University of Ibadan).
- Solid Fuel Stove: Self-powered bio-coal stove offering a clean, affordable, and sustainable cooking solution (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi).
- Virac Pro: Cathodic protection system for remote monitoring of pipelines and protection against corrosion (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka).
- Bepetoba Super Stopper Brake Pads: Locally-sourced brake pad production, reducing dependence on imported products (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi).
- FAP Paints: Cost-effective paint thickener utilizing locally sourced bamboo cellulose (Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun).
- i-CLAP: Interactive Nigerian-themed learning aid to engage students (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria).
Looking Ahead
TETFAIR 1 has demonstrated the immense potential for innovation within the Nigerian academic community. As these innovations move towards commercialization, they have the power to create jobs, solve critical problems, and drive economic growth. Innov8 Hub remains committed to supporting these ventures and fostering an ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.