Abuja: Israel has announced funding for the fifth edition of the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (iFAIR), reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Michael Freeman, announced the funding at the closing ceremony and innovation showcase of the fourth cohort of the iFAIR programme.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the ambassador emphasized the growing partnership between Nigeria and Israel, which empowers young Nigerian innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses. Freeman expressed pride in the collaboration and announced the launch of iFAIR 5 in October. He highlighted that innovation is driven by resilience, creativity, and the ability to identify opportunities amid challenges.
Freeman elaborated that the fellowship is designed to help Nigerian innovators develop solutions tailored to local challenges. He stressed that the program aims to support Nigerian solutions with Israeli experience, mentorship, and innovation. He also noted the expanding cooperation between Nigeria and Israel in various sectors, including technology, education, healthcare, and water management.
The ambassador encouraged participants to remain committed to innovation beyond the fellowship. He emphasized that the courage to turn ideas into reality is the participants’ greatest achievement, urging them to continue contributing to Nigeria, Africa, and the world.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, stated that the iFAIR initiative helps bridge the gap between research and industry by promoting the commercialization of research outputs and university inventions. Echono mentioned that TETFund is establishing innovation centers in over 60 tertiary institutions to enable the transformation of ideas into commercially viable products.
Tolulope Aina, Head of Programmes and Ventures at Innov8 Hub, highlighted Nigeria’s abundant innovative talent and the need for stronger systems to transform ideas into industries. Aina noted that Innov8 Hub has supported over 3,000 researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs, with more than 120 professionals working to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
In her remarks, Michal Hashimshony, CEO of Engineers Without Borders Israel, praised the ingenuity of graduating entrepreneurs and described Innov8 Hub as an ecosystem capable of driving meaningful change across Africa. Hashimshony also commended the role of women in Nigeria’s innovation landscape, highlighting their exceptional talent and optimism.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that iFAIR is a nine-month innovation and venture development program jointly implemented by the Embassy of Israel in Nigeria, TETFund, and Innov8 Hub. The program provides mentorship, technical support, and investment opportunities to help researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.