Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has secured a transformative partnership with Switzerland’s École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Innovation Park, signaling a bold push for Nigeria’s advancement in technology and science.
The Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research Development Agency, Dr. Felix Ale, revealed details of this strategic agreement in a recent statement.
EPFL, one of Switzerland’s renowned federal universities, stands as a global leader in scientific research and technological innovation.
Founded in 1993, the EPFL Innovation Park is located in Lausanne and has been a powerhouse for supporting more than 280 startups specializing in high-impact sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, and digital health solutions.
The collaboration between Nigeria and EPFL dovetails with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda, specifically targeting economic diversification through innovation.
Chief Nnaji’s visit to the Swiss innovation hub underscores the nation’s commitment to building an innovation-driven economy that aligns with sustainable development goals. “This partnership represents a bold leap for Nigerian innovation,” Nnaji affirmed, highlighting Nigeria’s intent to tap into EPFL’s prowess in sustainability, health, and digital trust.
He explained that the collaboration would enable Nigerian startups to benefit from EPFL’s resources and mentorship opportunities, paving the way for these startups to access European markets.
Nnaji emphasized that EPFL’s ecosystem effectively bridges the gap between groundbreaking academic research and market-ready applications, a model that Nigeria aspires to replicate.
In a discussion with the Managing Director of Fondation EPFL Innovation Park, Ms. Lan Zuo Gillet, both parties explored avenues for mutual growth.
Gillet expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “We are eager to collaborate with Nigeria and share our expertise in nurturing startups.”
Another significant aspect of this partnership is the expressed interest of Swiss startups in Nigeria’s market.
Nnaji mentioned that several Swiss companies, particularly those in renewable energy and healthcare, are keen on introducing their innovations to the Nigerian landscape, a development he believes could spark substantial change in local industries.
“The interest shown by Swiss startups could catalyze a technological revolution across our industries,” he noted.
Nnaji believes this partnership is set to deliver remarkable benefits, creating new pathways for Nigerian researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to engage with European networks and leverage high-quality training, thus bolstering Nigeria’s influence in the global innovation ecosystem.
“By embracing Switzerland’s cutting-edge ecosystem, we are setting a new standard for science and technology leadership in Africa,” Nnaji said.
He further explained that the collaboration promises to boost Nigeria’s technological capacity significantly, generating high-quality employment and positioning the country as a nexus of innovation on the African continent.
“This partnership is not just an exchange; it is a transformative step toward establishing Nigeria as Africa’s innovation epicentre,” he added, signaling an era of substantial technological advancement for Nigeria on the global stage.
