Nigeria’s Data Science which has been at the forefront of efforts to build a world-class Artificial Intelligence, knowledge research, and innovation ecosystem that delivers high-impact transformational research has launched the country’s first AI Startup Incubation and Research Hub. The event also included a bespoke AI Startup Summit with the theme, “Building Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence Unicorns: How to build scalable startups leveraging AI and Exponential technologies”.  It had Anitha Vadavatha, CEO and co-Founder, AB Plus Ventures, and Samuel Odeloye, Co-founder Lara.ng by RoadPreppers as speakers.

Speaking at the launch event, the founder and lead mentor, Data Science Nigeria, Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi said, “The dominant fact remains that artificial intelligence is a big game changer, and it is going to change how unicorns of the future will emerge. It is a global fact that Artificial Intelligence will change how value is created and captured globally. Research by PwC, a global consulting firm, says that AI can contribute as much as 15.7 trillion dollars to the global economy by 2030. When you look at that estimate, it is more than the total current output of China and India combined. This means AI has a potential to boost the global GDP by 16%, hence the need to support our local AI start-ups to become world-class unicorns of tomorrow.”

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The participating Startups includes Data Vault (http://www.datavault.ng/), Vooli (www.vooli.net), Farm Speak (https://www.farmspeak.net/), Snark Health (https://snarkhealth.com), Kitovu (www.kitovu.com.ng), Stedigital (stedigitalhealth.com), Adeseko Technology Limited (adesekotech.wordpress.com), Tech Semester (www.techsemester.com), Archer , Free style Journal (https://freestylejournal.com/), Tech Oga (http://eduwidget.com/) and CrossVu Digital (https://crosvudigital.com).

As part of the value proposition to the successful startups that were onboarded into the incubation programme, startups will be taken through an immersive and enriching experience that involves entrepreneurship training, technical support, access to markets, free workstation, networking, mentorship, and access to financial opportunities. 

Present at the launch were key stakeholders in the technology space, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, CEO Future Africa, who said, “It’s a pleasure to see everyone engaging around the DSN AI Startup Lab. I’m a big fan of the work Data Science Nigeria is doing, it’s one of the organizations that are building the future in a very practical sense. I’m excited about all the things that people are learning and the possibilities that come with them. I extend my goodwill and I’m glad to be a part of the event”.

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Ireayo Oladunjoye, Head, Lagos Innovates (Startups) in her goodwill message said, “Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and Lagos Innovates commend DSN for organizing today’s event. In her words, “we are glad to continue to support and collaborate with DSN and the AI Startup Lab in supporting the Technology ecosystem.”

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry