The Israeli government has announced financial support for the fifth edition of the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (iFAIR), as part of efforts to deepen collaboration with Nigeria and strengthen the country’s innovation sector.
Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, disclosed the development on Saturday during the closing ceremony and innovation exhibition of the fourth cohort of the programme held in Abuja.
Freeman said the continuation of the fellowship reflected the growing partnership between both countries, adding that the initiative was created to help young Nigerian innovators turn their ideas into successful ventures.
He announced that funding had been secured for the next phase of the programme, which is expected to begin in October.
“Today is a celebration of what is possible when Israel and Nigeria believe in each other. I am proud to announce that, together with our partners, we have secured funding for iFAIR 5,” he said.
The ambassador noted that innovation goes beyond technological advancement, stressing that creativity, resilience, collaboration and the ability to identify opportunities in difficult situations are key drivers of progress.
He explained that the fellowship was not designed to introduce Israeli solutions into Nigeria but to support Nigerians in developing homegrown ideas capable of addressing local problems.
“This programme has always been about helping talented Nigerian innovators create Nigerian solutions for Nigerian challenges, with support through Israeli experience, mentorship and innovation,” Freeman said.
He also highlighted areas of cooperation between Nigeria and Israel, including technology, education, healthcare and water management. He praised the efforts of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Innov8 Hub for sustaining the initiative.
The ambassador encouraged participants to continue pursuing innovative ideas after completing the programme, saying their greatest achievement was the ability to transform concepts into practical solutions.
Earlier, TETFund Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, said iFAIR was helping to connect academic research with industry by promoting the commercialisation of inventions from universities.
According to him, the major challenge being addressed was the difficulty in moving research findings from institutions into productive sectors of the economy.
Echono revealed that TETFund was developing innovation centres in more than 60 tertiary institutions across Nigeria to provide students and researchers with platforms to create market-ready products.
Meanwhile, the Head of Programmes and Ventures at Innov8 Hub, Tolulope Aina, said Nigeria possessed significant innovative potential but needed stronger structures to convert ideas into successful industries.
He stated that Innov8 Hub had supported over 3,000 researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs, while more than 120 professionals were working to expand the country’s innovation ecosystem.
The Chief Executive Officer of Engineers Without Borders Israel, Michal Hashimshony, also praised participants for their creativity, describing Innov8 Hub as a platform capable of driving transformation across Africa.
Hashimshony further recognised the contributions of women to Nigeria’s innovation space, describing female innovators and leaders she encountered as highly talented and inspiring.
The iFAIR programme is a nine-month initiative jointly organised by the Embassy of Israel in Nigeria, TETFund and Innov8 Hub. It offers mentorship, technical assistance and investment opportunities to researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs seeking to develop sustainable businesses from their ideas.