Call For Applications: UNILAG Project I2M – Innovation to Market Support

The Project Innovation to Market (I2M) initiative at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is inviting applications from innovators, researchers, and early-stage startups across its consortium of member institutions. This programme helps transform research ideas and prototype innovations into market-ready products and ventures by providing training, funding support, mentorship, and access to industry networks.

👉 Start your application here: https://innovation2market.org/r2c

Why This Opportunity Matters

Project I2M is funded by UKAid through the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) and implemented by UNILAG’s Innovation and Technology Management Office. It tackles common barriers that prevent promising ideas from reaching markets — such as limited training, insufficient funding, and a lack of commercialisation pathways — and helps innovators across Nigeria and partner universities scale their solutions.

The initiative supports innovators from proof-of-concept to market readiness, blending technical acceleration with practical business development. In its first year, Project I2M connected hundreds of innovators to key resources and funding, demonstrating real impact in innovation translation.

Benefits & Support (What You Can Access)

📘 Innovation Training

Participants receive structured coaching and workshops to strengthen their innovation, commercialisation, and entrepreneurial skills.

🧪 Prototype & Development Funding

Selected innovations may receive funding to develop prototypes or enhance existing proof-of-concept models.

💡 Intellectual Property (IP) Assistance

Support is provided to navigate patenting and intellectual property registration processes.

🏢 Co-Work & Maker Space Access

Innovators get access to dedicated co-workspaces and maker labs at UNILAG, where they can develop and refine their solutions.

📈 Investor & Market Showcases

You’ll have opportunities to showcase your innovation to industry partners, investors, and ecosystem collaborators.

Who Should Apply (Eligibility)

The call is open to:

✔ Undergraduate and postgraduate students involved in research or innovative work
✔ Academic staff, research fellows, and laboratory teams with promising projects
✔ University-affiliated early-stage spin-offs and research-based startups ready to progress toward market entry

The programme also engages universities beyond UNILAG through the Project 12M Research Consortium, which includes institutions such as the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Benin, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and more.