IITA Business Incubation Platform (BIP) in partnership Futuristic Specifications (FUTSPEC) is harvesting youthful talents to solve Nigeria’s economic problem with the launch of a new project, Scinovate, developed by FUTSPEC to engage, nurture, and showcase innovative ideas in science and technology and turn research developmental process into commercially viable consumables.

In an interview with Radio IITA, Chief Executive Officer of the project, Rotimi Emmanuel explained that project Scinovate which is broken into three stages, was borne out of the drive to fast-track Nigeria’s economic development, turning it into a modern-day solution, and utilizing locally sourced materials to power locally developed ideas. The stages include a reality show, research development, and commercialization by harvesting scientific inventions and innovations and developing them to transform the economy.

He also revealed that the focal points of interest of the project which is expected to target the youths youth, budding inventors, and innovators include Agriculture, Security, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Energy, Aviation / Aeronautics, Biomedical Sciences (BMS), Real Estate, Automobiles, and Fintech.

AgriServe-Plantain Manager, and BIP representative at the event, Aramide Seriki, stated that the project complements IITA’s goal of youth engagement in agriculture, improved livelihood and encouraging local industries and entrepreneurs to go into agribusiness. During his presentation, he explained that BIP takes innovations and accelerates them into commercial enterprises for public benefit.

In his speech, Q-Impact Medicare and Quaint Consultants Chief Executive officer, Dr. Adelakun, said IITA has continued to provide solutions to ensure food security in Africa and that the partnership with the institute is a great step towards achieving the goal of project Scinovate.

Also at the event was Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hakeem Fahm, who stated that the project is a welcome development that will align with the program of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation in facilitating the deployment of science and technology to enhance the pace of socioeconomic development of the country.

Meanwhile, Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 40 years are eligible to participate, and individuals can register their interest by applying on Project Scinovate’s website.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐝  𝐛𝐲 𝐎𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐞