The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a significant leap towards becoming Africa’s innovation hub through a strategic partnership with Switzerland’s prestigious École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Innovation Park.
This collaboration, spearheaded by Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology Chief Uche Nnaji, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda focusing on economic diversification and technological advancement.
According to the Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research Development Agency, Dr. Felix Ale, the partnership promises to unlock unprecedented opportunities for Nigerian researchers and entrepreneurs. It will provide access to European markets, boost Nigeria’s global innovation influence, and create high-quality jobs.
EPFL Innovation Park supports over 280 startups in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
Minister Nnaji emphasized that this collaboration will bridge academic research and market-ready applications, leveraging EPFL’s resources and mentorship for local startups.
Swiss startups specializing in renewable energy and healthcare have expressed interest in the Nigerian market, potentially catalyzing a technological revolution across industries.
Managing Director of Fondation EPFL Innovation Park, Lan Zuo Gillet, expressed enthusiasm for sharing expertise in nurturing startups.
Minister Nnaji hailed the partnership as a transformative step towards establishing Nigeria as Africa’s innovation epicentre, setting a new standard for science and technology leadership.
