The Nigeria UniPod Network has launched an Innovation Discovery Call focused on innovation-influenced research and translational solutions. The initiative is inviting faculty members, researchers, PhD candidates, postgraduates, and final-year students who are developing prototypes, tools, datasets, platforms, or models with real commercial value. If the research addresses real-world problems and has the potential to scale, it is strongly encouraged for submission.
The Innovation Discovery Exercise will run on a rolling basis. However, the first cohort of research projects will be onboarded during the official launch of the UniPods. The goal of this call is to identify applied research emerging from universities that can move beyond academic work and be translated into practical solutions with measurable impact.
This discovery call specifically targets research outputs with clear practical applications and commercialisation potential. Eligible submissions may include prototypes, research tools, models, datasets, digital platforms, or innovative methods that can be transformed into real-world solutions. The programme aims to support ideas that can move from research into implementation.
Selected submissions will be included in the UniPod Innovation Registry. These projects may also be considered for research translation support, prototype development, commercialisation pathways, strategic partnerships, and pilot opportunities designed to help bring innovations to market.
Applications are open to individuals from the following UniPod universities: University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Benue State University (BSU), Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), University of Lagos (UNILAG), and University of Uyo (UNIUYO).
The deadline for Cohort 1 applications is 27 March 2026.
To apply, interested applicants should visit https://forms.gle/tAwptVbXJndjsiFDA.
