Israel has announced funding for the fifth edition of the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (iFAIR), reinforcing its partnership with Nigeria to support innovation, research commercialisation and entrepreneurship. The new fellowship is scheduled to begin in October.
Speaking at the graduation and innovation showcase of the fourth iFAIR cohort in Abuja, Israeli Ambassador Michael Freeman said the programme empowers young Nigerians to develop homegrown solutions to local challenges with support from Israeli mentorship and expertise. He stressed that innovation thrives on creativity, resilience and the ability to turn ideas into practical solutions.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said the fellowship is helping bridge the gap between research and industry by transforming university inventions into commercially viable products. He added that TETFund is establishing innovation centres in more than 60 tertiary institutions to encourage students and researchers to develop solutions to national and global challenges.
Innov8 Hub said it has supported over 3,000 researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs, while officials urged participants to remain committed to building sustainable businesses. The nine-month iFAIR programme, jointly implemented by the Embassy of Israel in Nigeria, TETFund and Innov8 Hub, provides mentorship, technical support and investment opportunities for early-stage innovators.
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