Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

FG announces N100m AI support fund for Nigerian startups

POSTED ON September 10, 2024 •   Business      BY Benedicta Bassey
Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani l Credit: @bosuntijani / Source: X

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, NCAIR, has on Tuesday announced the launch of a N100 million AI Fund for Nigerian startups.

The government said the initiative was in collaboration with Google.

The AI fund  aims to support Nigerian startups that are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop innovative solutions across various sectors.

 The federal government targets N100 million funding to select startups, along with access to Google’s AI tools, mentorship, and global network.

Speaking on the funding opportunities for startups, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, stated, “The AI Fund is a significant step in nurturing homegrown innovation and driving the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. By supporting our startups, we are investing in the future of our nation.”

The AI Fund is open to Nigerian-based startups that are focused on AI-driven technology solutions with the potential for significant impact. Applications are now being accepted, and the recipients will be announced in October.

National Coordinator of NCAIR, Dr. Bunmi Ajala, highlighted the collaborative effort, saying, “Our partnership with Google is a reflection of our shared vision for Nigeria’s technological advancement.

"The AI Fund is designed to empower our entrepreneurs with the resources they need to create impactful AI solutions. We are excited to see the transformative innovations that will emerge from this programme.”

Also, the West Africa Director, Google, Olumide Balogun, reiterated Google’s commitment, noting, “Google’s support for the AI Fund is part of our broader mission to enhance digital capabilities across Africa. We are committed to providing Nigerian startups with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to innovate and succeed on a global stage.”

The AI Fund seeks applications from Nigerian startups that meet the following criteria: startups with their headquarters in Nigeria, it must have at least one Nigerian founder, focus on developing scalable AI-driven solutions and possess a live product demonstrating early traction and market fit.

0
READ ALSO
South Africa Surpasses Nigeria in Fuel Imports Amid Dangote Refinery Operations
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 29, 2025 0

Nigeria has lost its long-standing title as Africa’s largest importer of refined petroleum pro...

READ ALSO
Economists Warn of Debt Sustainability Risks as Nigeria Eyes $24.14 Billion in Foreign Loans
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 28, 2025 0

Nigeria's public debt is poised for another substantial increase as President Bola Tinubu has sought...

READ ALSO
Nigeria's Solid Minerals Sector Attracts Over $800 Million in Investments Amid Policy Shift
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 25, 2025 0

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development,Dr Dele Alake announced that Nigeria attracted over $800...

READ ALSO
SNEPCo Urges Indigenous Firms to Enhance Skills for Future Opportunities
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 23, 2025 0

The Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) has urged Nigerian firms to st...

READ ALSO
JUST IN: Dangote refinery slashes petrol prices by N15 nationwide
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 22, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria — The Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently announced a reduction in the pump pri...

READ ALSO
Sanwo-Olu Advocates for Innovation, Accountability in Economic Policies
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 22, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has stated that Nigeria must hasten its pro...

READ ALSO
CBN's Rigid Monetary Policies Threaten Nigeria's Industrialization Efforts
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 22, 2025 0

With the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) keeping the benchmark interest rate at 27.5 percent, local ma...

READ ALSO
FG to Auction 753 Housing Units Recovered from Ex-CBN Governor Emefiele
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 20, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The Federal Government has declared its intention to sell 753 housing units that we...

OUR CHANNELS:

Enugu Proposes Bill to Curb Criminal Activities Linked to Traditional Practitioners
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 6, 2025 0

ENUGU, Nigeria - Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has proposed an Executive Bill to the Enugu State H...


Bill Gates Advocates for Improved Health Care in Nigeria Amid Budget Constraints
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 6, 2025 0

US billionaire Bill Gates, who chairs the Gates Foundation, expressed that Nigeria’s health bu...


Controller General Issues Urgent Security Directive for Correctional Facilities
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 6, 2025 0

The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, has issued a strict order to all Zonal Co...


NEMA Mobilizes Teams to 15 States Amid Flood Warnings
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 5, 2025 0

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sent officials to 15 high-risk states to educate...


Edo Faces Diphtheria Outbreak, Two Confirmed Deaths
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 5, 2025 0

EDO, Nigeria (NAN) - A diphtheria outbreak has been confirmed in Edo State, resulting in two deaths....


Tinubu Honors Bill Gates with National Award for Global Philanthropy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 5, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu commended Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and chairma...


Bahrain, Colombia, DRC, Latvia, and Liberia Join UN Security Council for 2026-2027 Term
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 5, 2025 0

The UN General Assembly on Tuesday elected five new non-permanent members to the UN Security Council...


Tinubu Orders Urgent Repairs on Flood-Damaged Bridge in Mokwa
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 5, 2025 0

NIGER, Nigeria (NAN)- President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Federal Ministry of Works to repair t...


Nigeria Needs ₦2.2 Trillion to Eliminate Cervical Cancer by 2030, Says Task Force Chair
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 5, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria will need ₦2.2 trillion to roll out comprehensive cervical cancer ini...


EFCC Charges Two Men for Posing as Fake Sureties in Illegal Mining Case
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 4, 2025 0

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged two individuals, Shehu Abdu and Isah...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu