Nigeria’s largest commercial city of Lagos, through the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council, has awarded 23 tech startups and innovators with a total grant of N100 million ($258k) to pursue their various technology-driven innovations.

“We are here today to match our words with action, by handing out grants from the LASRIC’s Research and Innovation Fund to successful applicants. I congratulate all awardees and beneficiaries of our very first set. As a Government, we believe in each and every applicant’s capacity to create and scale up ideas that can proffer solutions to our current challenges,” the governor, Mr. Sanwo-Olu was quoted as saying.

Here Is What You Need To Know

• According to the statement, the recipients are the first set of beneficiaries to benefit from the N250 million seed capital earmarked, last year, as Research and Innovation Fund by the state government.
• The awardees were reportedly selected through a highly competitive process overseen by the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) established in 2019 by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

“The grant recipients represent key research initiatives and innovative startups ready and qualified to be resourced for the development of Lagos, and indeed the world. Today’s event is the first in many of this administration’s support and development of the science and technology ecosystem,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said. 

Read also: Nigerian eCommerce Startup Pricepally Secures Funding From GreenTec

A Look At Some Of The 23 Startups And Innovators

Farmz2U

Farmz2U is a solution that focuses on using technology to support farmers activities end-to-end. It is mobile accessible and farmers without access to smartphones can access some of its services with USSD codes.

DOCi Healthcare

DOCi is a healthcare platform that uses technology to connect healthcare providers with patients in person or over our mobile apps. The startup says it wants to enable healthcare providers deliver healthcare within their neighbourhoods and local areas across Lagos state.

Project GIVO (Garbage in, Value Out)

GIVO is a tech enabled circular economy solution that facilitates the local collection of recyclables from waste generators (individuals, businesses) and the modular processing of these materials into consumer & industrial goods.

PricePally

Pricepally is a digital food cooperative platform that enables people to buy food in bulk or share bulk with others directly from farmers and wholesalers making it cheaper and fresher than buying at retail. Users can make their orders online via the app or the website and have it delivered to their doorstep the next day, available only in Lagos. 

About The Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council

Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) is an initiative of the Lagos State Government of Nigeria set up to pursue a science research and innovation agenda to address some of its developmental challenges and needs through the application of science research and innovation in Lagos State.

Startups The Council Looks Out For 

To be able to access the funding, qualifying startups must either be: 

• Profit oriented organisations with Research arms, branches or subsidiaries. Organisations should be no more than 15 years old.
• Company or organisation registered or resident in Lagos or doing work directly impacting food ecosystem in Lagos.
• Individuals sponsored or supported by any of the above or showing significant process with proven milestone achievements vetted by the research community.
• Research laboratories with proven research work and identifiable patents.
• Companies working in the agricultural value chain.
• Companies willing to support an applied research process.

To know more about the council, including ways of applying click here.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer