[By Abigail Philip David]
The Nigerian government, represented by Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology Chief Uche Nnaji, has formed a strategic partnership with Switzerland’s École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Innovation Park, aiming to drive technology and innovation in Nigeria.
This collaboration was announced by Dr. Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA), in a statement on Saturday.
EPFL, one of Switzerland’s leading federal universities, operates Innovation Park, a technology hub that supports over 280 startups across sectors such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Established in 1993, the park facilitates the transition from academic research to market-ready technologies.
Ale highlighted that this partnership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda, prioritizing economic diversification and technology-led growth.
Chief Nnaji’s recent visit to EPFL underscores Nigeria’s dedication to building an innovation-driven economy. He described the partnership as a major advancement for Nigerian innovation, emphasizing the importance of utilizing EPFL’s expertise in areas like sustainability, health, and digital trust.
“This collaboration is a bold leap forward for our local startups, providing them access to EPFL’s resources and mentorship,” Nnaji stated. He emphasized that EPFL’s ecosystem bridges the gap between research and market applications.
During discussions with Fondation EPFL Innovation Park’s Managing Director, Ms. Lan Zuo Gillet, both sides explored avenues for mutual benefit. Gillet expressed optimism, noting, “We are eager to collaborate with Nigeria and share our expertise in supporting startups.”
Nnaji noted that Swiss startups specializing in renewable energy and healthcare are interested in entering the Nigerian market, which could spark a technological transformation across various industries.
“The interest from Swiss companies could catalyze a tech revolution in Nigeria, creating new opportunities for growth,” he said.
According to Nnaji, this partnership could unlock European market access for Nigerian innovators, enhancing Nigeria’s standing in global technology. “By integrating Switzerland’s cutting-edge ecosystem, we are elevating Nigeria’s role in African innovation,” he added.
The collaboration is expected to drive significant outcomes, enhancing Nigeria’s technological capacity and generating quality employment.
“This isn’t just a partnership; it’s a transformative step toward positioning Nigeria as Africa’s innovation leader,” Nnaji concluded.
