The landscape of innovation is rapidly evolving, and early-stage startups are at the heart of this transformation. Recognizing the potential of these innovators, i-FAIR, in collaboration with the Nigerian Ministry of Innovation, Communication, and Digital Economy and the Innovation Support Network (ISN) Hubs, and implemented by Innov8 Hub, is launching its 2025 call for startups. This initiative is designed to empower startups and entrepreneurs with hands-on support to accelerate their product and technology development, helping them navigate the complex journey from concept to commercialization.

With a focus on fostering innovation ecosystems across Nigeria, the i-FAIR program aims to identify promising startups addressing real-world challenges and provide them with the resources, mentorship, and guidance needed to bring their solutions to market. The program spans nine months, offering startups access to cutting-edge prototyping facilities, expert mentorship, and incubation opportunities, ensuring they are well-positioned to create impactful, market-ready solutions.

Who Should Apply?

i-FAIR is seeking applications through Hubs, Incubators, and Innovation Centers to nominate four of their most promising startups. The ideal candidates are startups that demonstrate innovative potential, scalability, and a strong commitment to solving real-world problems.

Eligibility Criteria

The nominated startups should meet the following criteria:

1. Early-Stage Product or Technology Development
   • Startups should be in the initial stages of developing a product or technology.
   • They may have a minimum viable product (MVP) or working prototype, but are primarily seeking guidance and resources to refine and scale their solutions.
2. Addressing a Validated Market Need
   • Startups must demonstrate a clear understanding of their target market.
   • They should have conducted thorough market research and shown insight into how their product design can achieve an optimal product-market fit.
   • Solutions should solve an identified problem with potential for significant impact.
3. Hands-On Support Requirement
   • Startups should be ready to benefit from mentorship in prototyping, product-market fit, and commercialization.
   • This includes support in hardware prototyping, fabrication, testing, and refinement to ensure solutions are technically viable and market-ready.
4. Commitment and Dedication
   • The startup team should have at least one full-time member actively working on the product.
   • Demonstrated commitment ensures startups can fully leverage i-FAIR resources and guidance.
5. Benefit from Expert Guidance
   • The selected startups should show a willingness to engage with mentors, advisors, and innovation ecosystem resources.
   • i-FAIR prioritizes startups ready to iterate rapidly, learn from feedback, and scale their impact.

Apply Here!

Sectors of Focus

i-FAIR is particularly interested in startups addressing challenges in the following key sectors, which represent high-impact areas for innovation in Nigeria and beyond:

1. Health & Medical Technology
   • Startups developing solutions that improve healthcare access, diagnostics, treatment, patient management, and medical technologies.
   • Innovations could range from telemedicine platforms to medical devices and wearable health solutions.
2. Agriculture, Food Processing & Food Security
   • Startups creating technologies that enhance food production, processing efficiency, storage, and supply chain management.
   • Emphasis is on innovations that ensure food security, reduce waste, and optimize agricultural outputs.
3. Environment, Energy & Circular Economy
   • Startups offering sustainable solutions in renewable energy, waste management, recycling, and environmental conservation.
   • Innovations should contribute to climate action, resource efficiency, and circular economic practices.
4. Education Technology (EdTech)
   • Startups are developing digital solutions that enhance learning outcomes, accessibility, and educational delivery.
   • This includes tools for remote learning, e-learning platforms, educational software, and skills development solutions.
5. Mobility (Transportation, Aviation & Shipping)
   • Startups addressing challenges in urban transport, logistics, aviation technology, and maritime solutions.
   • Innovations could focus on efficiency, safety, cost reduction, and sustainability in the mobility sector.

About the i-FAIR Program

The i-FAIR program is a nine-month initiative dedicated to empowering innovators and early-stage startups. Its primary mission is to transform promising ideas into market-ready solutions by offering startups access to:

• Prototyping Facilities: State-of-the-art labs and fabrication spaces enable startups to develop, test, and refine prototypes, particularly hardware-based solutions.
• Expert Mentorship: Experienced mentors provide guidance on technical development, product-market fit, commercialization, and business strategy.
• Incubation Opportunities: Startups gain access to workspace, business support, networking, and funding guidance, creating a solid foundation for growth.

Through this comprehensive support, i-FAIR bridges the gap between conceptual innovation and market readiness, ensuring that startups not only create functional products but also develop viable business models that can thrive in competitive markets.

Program Objectives

The i-FAIR program is designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. Accelerate Product and Technology Development
   • Equip startups with resources to prototype, test, and refine their solutions, ensuring they meet technical and market standards.
2. Enhance Market Readiness
   • Help startups understand their customers, validate their market fit, and refine business strategies.
3. Promote Entrepreneurship and Innovation
   • Foster a culture of innovation by connecting startups to mentors, industry experts, and networks.
4. Support Sustainable Impact
   • Encourage solutions that address pressing societal and environmental challenges, contributing to Nigeria’s development agenda.
5. Build Capacity in the Innovation Ecosystem
   • Strengthen the capabilities of Hubs, Incubators, and Innovation Centers, enabling them to support future cohorts of startups effectively.

The Selection Process

The i-FAIR program relies on nominations from innovation hubs, incubators, and innovation centers to identify the most promising startups.

Nomination Guidelines

• Each hub or incubator can nominate up to four startups.
• Nominations must provide a detailed overview of the startup, its team, product, market research, and anticipated impact.
• Startups already nominated or applied through Innov8 Hub’s previous calls for i-FAIR will automatically be considered — no re-nomination required.

Evaluation Criteria

The selection committee evaluates nominees based on:

1. Innovation Potential: Originality, technical feasibility, and creativity of the solution.
2. Market Validation: Evidence of a validated market need and customer understanding.
3. Team Capability: Competence, commitment, and full-time involvement of team members.
4. Scalability and Impact: Potential to grow, reach the market, and create measurable societal or economic impact.
5. Alignment with Program Sectors: Relevance to health, agriculture, environment, education, or mobility sectors.

Apply Here!

Key Benefits for Selected Startups

Startups accepted into i-FAIR will gain hands-on support and resources that are critical for early-stage development:

1. Access to Advanced Prototyping Facilities

• Utilize cutting-edge tools and labs for hardware and technology development.
• Transform conceptual designs into functional prototypes that can be tested and iterated.

2. Expert Mentorship

• Work with industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs who guide on:
  • Technical development and prototyping
  • Product-market fit and customer validation
  • Business strategy and commercialization

3. Incubation and Networking Opportunities

• Benefit from incubation support, including workspace, business services, and professional networks.
• Connect with investors, corporates, government agencies, and innovation networks to accelerate growth.

4. Market Access and Commercialization Support

• Guidance on market entry strategies, go-to-market plans, and scaling operations.
• Build relationships with potential clients, partners, and strategic stakeholders.

5. Capacity Building

• Attend workshops, masterclasses, and training sessions on entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation management.
• Develop essential business, technical, and operational skills to succeed in competitive markets.

Program Timeline and Duration

The i-FAIR program spans nine months, structured to maximize learning, prototyping, and market readiness:

1. Month 1–2: Onboarding & Orientation
   • Introduction to program resources, mentors, and facilities.
   • Startup needs assessment and initial prototype evaluation.
2. Month 3–5: Prototyping & Iteration
   • Hands-on development, testing, and refinement of prototypes.
   • Guidance on product-market alignment and technical optimization.
3. Month 6–8: Market Validation & Commercialization
   • Customer engagement, pilot testing, and market research.
   • Development of commercialization strategies and business models.
4. Month 9: Showcase & Graduation
   • Present solutions to stakeholders, investors, and industry leaders.
   • Access post-program support and continued mentorship opportunities.

How to Nominate a Startup

To participate, Hubs, Incubators, and Innovation Centers should follow these steps:

1. Identify up to four startups that meet eligibility criteria.
2. Complete the online nomination form with detailed information about each startup.
3. Submit nominations before the deadline: 16 October 2025.

Important Note: If a startup was nominated or applied in previous Innov8 i-FAIR calls, there is no need to reapply — their application will automatically be considered.

i-FAIR’s Commitment to Innovation

i-FAIR is more than a program; it is a catalyst for innovation in Nigeria and beyond. By providing early-stage startups with resources, mentorship, and exposure, i-FAIR empowers entrepreneurs to:

• Translate ideas into real-world solutions
• Build products with market viability and scalability
• Contribute to economic growth, social impact, and technological advancement

With the collaboration of the Nigerian Ministry of Innovation, ISN Hubs, and Innov8 Hub, i-FAIR strengthens the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering a new generation of innovators ready to tackle societal challenges across health, agriculture, environment, education, and mobility sectors.

Conclusion

The i-FAIR program presents a unique opportunity for early-stage startups to accelerate their journey from concept to market-ready solution. By providing hands-on support, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge prototyping facilities, i-FAIR ensures that promising ideas do not remain on paper but evolve into impactful solutions addressing real-world challenges.

Startups selected for the program will benefit from nine months of intensive development, network-building, and commercialization guidance — equipping them to thrive in Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem and beyond.

Deadline for nominations: 16 October 2025
Apply now: Apply Here!

This is your chance to nominate the most promising startups, accelerate innovation, and contribute to transformative change in Nigeria.

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