The Nigeria Innovation Cluster Exchange (NICE) has opened applications for its Pipeline Clinics, a sector-focused programme designed to help Nigerian businesses and innovators address growth challenges and strengthen local innovation ecosystems.

The programme targets businesses operating within six priority clusters identified through NICE’s research: agro-processing in Kano, manufacturing in Abia and Ogun, health in Oyo, minerals in Akwa Ibom and cybersecurity in Abuja.

The initiative is being implemented by The Nest Innovation Technology Park in partnership with the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub under the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme, with collaboration from the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).

Rather than offering general entrepreneurship training, the programme will provide practical support focused on innovation management, access to facilities and partners, prototyping, partnerships and peer learning.

According to the organisers, the clinics are intended to address a persistent gap in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, where startups, research institutions, entrepreneurship-support organisations and innovation hubs often operate separately. This can limit collaboration, knowledge sharing and access to infrastructure.

The programme will also feature Experts-in-Residence from the United Kingdom, who will provide expertise in areas including innovation strategy, incubation models and technology validation. Nigerian ecosystem leaders are expected to engage in reciprocal learning with UK innovation clusters.

The Co-founder of The Nest Innovation Technology Park, Oluwajoba Oloba, said the programme would strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem by bringing together knowledge sharing, government resources and institutional partnerships.

The clinics are open to Nigerian-owned or Nigeria-based businesses and enterprises with an existing business, startup, prototype, product, service or clearly defined business model.

Applicants must operate within, support or demonstrate strong relevance to one of the six priority clusters. They must also have a clearly defined business challenge, growth opportunity or development need that can be addressed through the programme.

Priority may be given to businesses demonstrating growth potential, innovative products or services, market traction, expansion opportunities, investment readiness and job-creation potential.

Participants will be expected to commit the required time, provide relevant business information for assessment and implement recommendations arising from the clinics.

Following the clinics, the programme will move into collaborative innovation sprints. During this stage, participating clusters will work with Nigerian and UK partners to develop and validate solutions to identified challenges.

The organisers expect the process to result in collaborative prototypes or proof-of-concept projects while strengthening connections among businesses, investors, research institutions and innovation-support organisations.

Eligible applicants can apply through the programme’s application form: https://forms.gle/9Hhm6b1zXFh1phzr7.

Source: Guardian