Nigeria’s Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has revealed the 45 winners of the National AI Research Grant Scheme (NAIRS). Each awardee, including both individuals and organisations leading AI research in Nigeria, is set to receive up to ₦5,000,000.
The selection process involved 25 global AI specialists who carefully evaluated applications submitted from October 13, 2023, to November 15, 2023.
In an interview with X, Minister Tijani commended the chosen recipients, emphasising that their proposed solutions address crucial challenges in the country. He expressed confidence in the awardees’ ability to transform industries, empower communities, foster innovation, and elevate Nigeria’s tech scene globally.
Out of the 45 recipients, 11 startups secured funding through the National AI Research Grant Scheme, spanning sectors such as health, agriculture, education, finance, governance, utility, and environmental sustainability.
Here are some of the standout startups:
1. Aurelius: An AI startup focusing on automated contouring in radiation therapy planning for healthcare.
2. Cardio Intel: An AI-enabled healthcare mobile app for personalised monitoring and early detection of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Nurse Oge: An AI-powered healthcare model for patient monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment.
4. Tamela: Specialising in developing and training AI models for ultrasound imaging in pregnancy.
5. Quantum Innovative Tech Solutions Ltd: Providing an AI-powered personal health management system for real-time insights and anomaly detection.
6. Life-Elixir Computers: Developing a region-specific AI algorithm for cancer diagnosis in medical image analysis.
7. Farmspeak Technology Limited: Offering an AI platform for real-time insights to reduce poultry mortality rates and enhance climate resilience.
8. Gwin Technologies Limited: Creating a smart mobile diagnostic tool using AI for animal health.
9. Edunetix: Utilising AI technology for personalised education and career advice.
10. Lendsqr: Applying AI and alternative data sources for quick and unbiased credit decisions.
11. IDB Analytics: Using AI and geofencing technology to address security challenges in conflict-affected regions.
This financial support aligns with NAIRS’ mission to nurture a vibrant and sustainable AI ecosystem in Nigeria, fostering accelerated research and development efforts for both researchers and startups.
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