The Federal Government has announced the selection of 45 startups for the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research (NAIR) scheme, each receiving a N5 million grant.
The NAIR Scheme seeks to promote a sustainable AI environment, reflecting Nigeria’s goal of innovation across key sectors. The selection process involved 26 global experts, ensuring excellence.
The chosen grantees are utilising cutting-edge research, and carrying out projects from across sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, and sustainability. Their collaborative efforts are a holistic approach to tech innovation, bolstering a resilient future for Nigeria.
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:
- Qudus Onikeku (Nigerian Researcher): Focused on the protection of the intellectual property of dancers using AI technology and economic incentives.
