The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has announced a partnership with the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Innovation Park in Switzerland.
This strategic collaboration, revealed by Dr. Felix Ale, Director of Media at Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to drive economic diversification and innovation.
Founded in 1993, the EPFL Innovation Park supports over 280 startups specializing in AI, biotechnology, and sustainable technologies, making it an ideal partner for advancing Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
During discussions with EPFL Innovation Park’s Managing Director, Lan Zuo Gillet, Nnaji highlighted the partnership’s potential to provide Nigerian startups with resources, mentorship, and access to European markets. Gillet expressed eagerness to collaborate, with Swiss startups showing keen interest in entering the Nigerian market, especially in renewable energy and healthcare.
“This partnership is a transformative step toward making Nigeria Africa’s hub for innovation,” stated Nnaji, emphasizing that Swiss startups’ involvement could significantly boost Nigeria’s technological landscape, create high-quality jobs, and elevate Nigeria’s global status in science and technology.
The minister asserted that by integrating Swiss expertise, the ministry aims to enhance the nation’s technological capabilities and foster an economy rooted in innovation, sustainability, and digital trust—setting a new standard for tech leadership in Africa.