The Federal Government has announced the selection of 45 startups and researchers for the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research (NAIR) scheme.
Nigeria’s minister of communication, innovation, and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, made the announcement at the launch of the scheme.
He said;
“We’ve launched the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme to fund 45 consortia of startups and researchers to allow them to explore further opportunities to deepen their work and build a sustainable AI ecosystem in Nigeria,”
The NAIR Scheme seeks to promote a sustainable AI environment, and reflect Nigeria’s goal of innovation across key sectors.
The startups were chosen by a team of 25 global AI experts, including academics from both local and foreign universities.
The 45 chosen startups cut across sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, finance, Governance, security, utility and environmental sustainability,
Each of the listed grantees will receive ₦5 million grant each.
MEET THE GRANTEES
Health:
- Ofordum Ikenna David (Nigerian Researcher): Focused on cancer treatment through machine learning and deep learning algorithms.
- TechCare Diagnostics Research Team (Nigerian Researcher): Creating a centralised online library for X-Ray, CTScan, MRI, and Genomic Data interpretation using AI.
- Aurelius (Startup): Developing an AI system for automated contouring in radiation therapy planning.
- Hauwa Ahmad Amshi (Nigerian Researcher): Implementing AI and telemedicine to predict, monitor, and raise awareness about chronic kidney disease linked to water contamination.
- Lagos State University (Nigerian Researcher): Introducing a wearable sensor-based AI system for early detection and personalised management of lung cancer.
- Cardio Intel (Startup): Launching an AI-enabled mobile app for personalised monitoring and early detection of cardiovascular diseases.
- Nurse Oge (Startup): Developing an AI-powered healthcare model for patient monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Nasir Idris Ibrahim (Nigerian Researcher): Creating an AI-driven mental health support platform leveraging cloud computing for personalised assistance to people dealing with depression.
- Dr. Obasa, Adekunle Isiaka (Nigerian Researcher): Improving the diagnosis of ischemic strokes in CT scan images using hybrid machine learning techniques.
- Adejo George Ode (Nigerian Researcher): Predicting and preventing tropical diseases using AI in regions with limited resources.
- Tamela (Startup): Focused on the development and training of AI models for ultrasound imaging in pregnancy.
- Maruf Adewole (Nigerian Researcher): Introducing a low-resource PACS platform for improving access to imaging data and AI applications in healthcare.
Agriculture:
- All For Tech Empowerment Foundation (Technology Company):Implementing an AI-driven Clinical Decision Support System for managing Diphtheria in African regions.
- Quantum Innovative Tech Solutions Ltd (Startup): Launching an AI-powered personal health management system for real-time insights and anomaly detection.
- Life-Elixir Computers (Startup): Introducing region-specific AI algorithms for cancer diagnosis in medical image analysis.
- Abidoye Luqman Kolawole (Nigerian Researcher): Using UAVs and deep learning for real-time pest detection and automated pesticide spraying in crop fields.
- Farmspeak Technology Limited (Startup): Implementing an AI platform for real-time insights to reduce poultry mortality rates and enhance climate resilience.
- Dr Harisu Abdullahi Shehu (Nigerian in Diaspora Researcher): Developing AI for early detection and management of Tuta absoluta infestations in tomato crops.
- Yakubu Ibrahim (Nigerian Researcher): Utilising computer vision and UAVs for real-time bird detection in rice fields to increase crop yields.
- Dr. Ronke Seyi Babatunde (Nigerian Researcher): Introducing an AI-powered integrated crop management system in Nigeria to address farmers’ challenges and increase productivity.
- Erike, Azubuike Izuchukwu (Nigerian Researcher): Creating a smartphone app integrating AI into agricultural extension services for real-time assistance.
- Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (Nigerian Researcher): Developing a Space-Based AI Solution for Agriculture in Nigeria to monitor soil moisture and enhance productivity.
- Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim (Nigerian Researcher): Implementing an Integrated AI-Based Crop Disease Management Solution for smallholder farmers.
- Muallim Yakubu (Nigerian Researcher): Focusing on the effective use of AI in improving agricultural productivity and sustainable farming practices.
- Dr. Olakunle Elijah (Nigerian Researcher): Utilising advanced sensing technologies and machine learning for early disease detection in ginger plants.
- Godwin Ani / Gwin Technologies Limited (Startup): Creating a smart mobile diagnostic tool using AI for animal health.
Education:
- Data Scientists Network (Technology Company): Evaluating AI-generated learning content for improved STEM education in low-income households.
- Edunetix (Startup): Implementing AI technology for personalised education and career advice.
- Bello Abdullahi (Nigerian Researcher): Focused on AI-powered voice assistants to enhance language learning and reading assistance in online education.
- Ibrahim Lukman Kehinde (Nigerian Researcher): Researching challenges faced by industries in optimising operations and maintenance using AI methods.
- Segun Oladele (Nigerian Researcher): Utilising smart devices and AI for a personalised intelligence tutoring system in education.
Finance:
- Vergold Nigeria Limited (Nigerian Researcher): Implementing AI to add trust to online businesses, especially in social commerce.
- NaYa Finance Technology Limited (Technology Company): Focused on an Autonomous Cognitive Entity (ACE) for holistic decision-making in capital markets using generative AI.
- Lendsqr (Startup): Researching the use of AI and alternative data sources for quick and bias-free credit decisions.
Governance:
- Shamsuddeen Hassan Muhammad (Nigerian Researcher): Researching advanced language detection models for offensive content in major Nigerian languages on social media.
- IDB Analytics (Startup): Implementing AI and geofencing technology to address security challenges in regions affected by conflicts.
- Dr. Israel Udoh (Startup): Creating a comprehensive mathematical framework for counterterrorism using AI and machine learning.
Sustainability:
- Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano (Nigerian Researcher): Implementing integrated smart water solutions using IoT technology and environmental sensor technologies.
- Dr Aneyo, Idowu (Nigerian Researcher): Developing a low-cost, AI-enabled acoustic monitoring system for water bodies in Nigeria.
- Shamsudeen Temitope Yekeen (Nigerian in Diaspora Researcher): Creating an integrated Earth Observation Satellite and AI system for rapid detection and response to oil spills.
- Dr. Sani Muazu (Nigerian in Diaspora Researcher): Focused on an AI-driven model to optimise urban resource management using machine learning techniques.
- Dr. Evans Woherem (Nigerian Researcher): Creating an AI-driven predictive model and decision support system for forecasting and managing the economic impact of cross-border dam water release in Nigeria.
Utility:
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence (Startup): Implementing an AI system for assessing vulnerability and providing adaptation solutions to communities facing climate change impacts.
- Eya Candidus Ugwuoke (Nigerian Researcher): Pioneering solar-powered charging stations and rechargeable lanterns with AI-enabled energy monitoring for rural areas.
Others:
45. Qudus Onikeku (Nigerian Researcher): Focused on the protection of the intellectual property of dancers using AI technology and economic incentives.
According to Tijani, “The proposals of the grantees tackle some of our most pressing challenges and offer the potential to revolutionise industries, empower communities and unlock a future full of possibilities”.
