Deadline: Unspecified
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is calling on innovators, researchers, and early-stage startups to apply for the Project Innovation to Market (I2M) initiative. The UNILAG Project I2M – Innovation to Market Support programme is designed to help bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and viable market products, providing critical support to innovators ready to take their ideas from concept to commercialization.
About UNILAG Project I2M – Innovation to Market Support
Project I2M (Innovation to Market) is a comprehensive support programme aimed at transforming innovative research, inventions, and prototypes into market-ready products or ventures. The initiative provides training, mentorship, business acceleration, funding, and industry linkage, helping innovators build sustainable and commercially viable solutions.
This impactful project is funded by UKAid through the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) and implemented by the Innovation and Technology Management Office (ITMO) at UNILAG.
The programme addresses critical challenges that limit research commercialisation in Nigeria, including lack of funding, limited industry connections, and insufficient technical or business development support.
Benefits of the UNILAG Project I2M Programme
Successful participants in the UNILAG Project I2M – Innovation to Market Support will gain access to a variety of resources and opportunities, including:
- ✅ Innovation and entrepreneurship training – practical sessions on innovation management and commercialization.
- ✅ Prototype development and funding support – financial and technical assistance to develop or refine prototypes.
- ✅ Intellectual Property (IP) guidance – expert support with patenting, IP protection, and licensing processes.
- ✅ Access to co-working and maker spaces – use of UNILAG’s innovation facilities and equipment.
- ✅ Networking and investor showcases – opportunities to present solutions to investors, partners, and key industry players.
Who Can Apply
The UNILAG Project I2M is open to a broad range of innovators and researchers, including:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students with viable research ideas or innovation projects.
- Academic staff and research fellows working on innovations with commercial potential.
- University-affiliated startups or spin-offs seeking to scale from research to commercialization.
While the project is anchored at UNILAG, it also engages a national consortium of universities, meaning applicants from other Nigerian institutions are welcome to apply.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to follow the steps below to participate:
- Visit the official application portal via the Apply Now link below.
- Review the eligibility criteria and submission guidelines carefully.
- Prepare a concise summary of your innovation or research.
- Complete and submit the online application form.
- Application Deadline: Saturday, January 10, 2026.
For enquiries and further information, contact:
📧 unilag-iptto@unilag.edu.ng
📞 09057217522
Why Project I2M Matters
The UNILAG Project I2M – Innovation to Market Support is a crucial step toward strengthening Nigeria’s innovation and commercialization ecosystem. It supports the transition of research outcomes into impactful market solutions, fostering entrepreneurship, employment, and sustainable economic growth.
Through this initiative, UNILAG continues to reinforce its leadership role in driving innovation, research commercialization, and capacity building across Africa’s academic and entrepreneurial landscapes.
📎 Links & Resources
🔹 Read More About the Programme
💡 Need help drafting, refining, or reviewing your proposal?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
