TechQuest and Nithub in Partnership with GIZ/DTC, Nigeria Bridge African Researchers with Global Community at Omniverse 2025 Research Exchange

TechQuest STEM Academy and Nithub, hosted the Omniverse Research Exchange in Lagos, Nigeria, ahead of the week-long Omniverse Summit. This initiative was designed to connect African researchers with the global community, fostering evidence-based innovation and impact-driven collaborations.

The event brought together researchers, academics, funding organizations, and innovators from around the world, with a strong emphasis on bridging research with practical applications to solve critical societal challenges.

“Connecting African researchers with global opportunities is crucial,” stated Dr. Itoro Emembolu, Director of TechQuest STEM Academy, during her opening speech. She emphasized that the Research Exchange serves as a platform for meaningful dialogue, partnerships, and increased visibility of impactful research contributing to Africa’s development.

She also called upon researchers, innovators, funders, and development finance institutions (DFIs) to actively engage in future exchanges to drive stronger collaborations and impactful research commercialization.

Meanwhile, Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, Ag. Director, NITDA IT Hub (NitHub), University of Lagos, highlighted the importance of translating research into practical solutions. “Research-based innovation drives economic and technological advancement. By fostering collaboration between universities, SMEs, and funding organizations, we can transform research findings into real-world solutions,” he stated.

Key Discussions & Highlights

The event featured a power-packed agenda, addressing critical topics on research translation, commercialization, and funding opportunities.

Experts explored how to transform research into market-ready solutions, featuring insights from:

• Em Ekong – Executive Director, Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE)
• Dr. Philipp Kohn – Researcher, University of Siegen, Germany
• Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa – Ag. Director, NITDA IT Hub (NitHub), University of Lagos
• Professor Aloysius-Michaels Nnabugwu Okolie – Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
• Dr. Calvin Bonds (Moderator) – Global Leadership Training Consultant

Research Synergy Roundtable

 An interactive networking session where participants were grouped based on thematic research areas, identifying funding needs, collaboration opportunities, and industry synergies. Topics covered included:

• Research Commercialization – Ms. Tolulope Aina, Innov8 Hub
• ESOs, Innovation & Research Intersections – LEAP Africa
• Funding Opportunities – Ms. Victoria Fabunmi, NITDA Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI)
• Technology Adoption – Industry experts

• Intellectual Property (IP) Management – Leading IP specialists

Rapidfire Research Showcase

 Selected researchers presented their groundbreaking research in five-minute pitch sessions, followed by Q&A discussions with experts and funders. Presenters included:

• Mr. Mamadou Djigo – CEO, Kakai SAS
• Dr. Gbeminiyi Sobamowo – Senior Lecturer, University of Lagos
• Prof. Benjamin Aribisala – Professor, Lagos State University (LASU)

Dr. Omolola Salako – Researcher, University of Lagos

Panel Discussion: Student-Based Innovation – The Next Generation of Innovators

This session focused on how students and youth-driven innovation are shaping Africa’s research and technology landscape. Panelists included:

• Mr. Makinde Joseph – CEO, Swipe
• Dr. Peter Bamkole – Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU)
• Dr. Helen Emore – Managing Partner, Scientia Partners / PAU
• Dr. Adewunmi Yinka (Moderator) – Innovation Expert

Networking & Collaboration

 The event facilitated global networking, cross-sector collaborations, and knowledge exchange, allowing participants to explore funding pathways and commercialization strategies.

Why This Matters

The Omniverse Research Exchange provided a unique platform for African researchers to showcase their work, connect with global opportunities, and drive research-backed solutions for sustainable development.

“Africa’s future depends on our ability to integrate research into real-world applications. Events like this create the connections needed to move from innovation to impact,” noted Dr. Emembolu.

The event concluded with a call to action for funders, industry players, and policymakers to actively support African-led research and innovation, reinforcing the need for sustained collaboration beyond the exchange.

This is just the beginning! The conversation continues—let’s build the future of research together.