In a significant move to foster innovation and advance artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced the winners of the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research (NAIR) programme. The selected individuals and startups, numbering 45 in total, represent diverse sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology.
Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, revealed that each of the chosen startups would be awarded a grant of N5 million from the Nigerian government. This financial support aims to accelerate the development of their AI projects, contributing to the growth of the tech ecosystem in the country.
Tijani emphasized the broad impact of the AI researchers’ work, spanning critical areas like healthcare, agriculture, finance, and education. He believes that their innovations have the potential to elevate Nigeria’s tech landscape on the global stage.
“The 45 persons and startups selected for the project are some of the best among the many who showed interest in the scheme. After a rigorous evaluation process, with the help of 26 distinguished Nigerian AI experts worldwide, we have identified some exceptional proposals from individuals excelling in AI research,” stated Tijani.
The program is envisioned to not only provide financial aid but also to promote knowledge-sharing and partnership within the AI industry. Tijani anticipates that this initiative will foster a vibrant and sustainable AI landscape in Nigeria.
“From healthcare to agriculture, finance to education, these brilliant researchers are poised to propel Nigeria’s tech landscape onto the global stage. These proposals tackle some of our most pressing challenges and offer the potential to revolutionize industries, empower communities, and unlock a future full of possibilities,” added Tijani.
The selected startups cover a wide range of AI sectors, with a focus on addressing pressing challenges in healthcare. Some notable recipients of the N5 million grant include TechCare Diagnostics Research Team, Quantum Innovative Tech Solutions Ltd, and Lagos State University.
To further encourage innovation, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy also invited Nigerians to apply for the Agriculture Demonstration Project, offering a chance to receive N10 million. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to supporting groundbreaking projects across various sectors, driving economic growth and technological advancement in the country.
To See full list click the link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bz8YukA3_1BxV46bm3MiCPlEpJQd4-Bl/view
