Kano to host national launch of FG innovation programme
Kano State will host the national launch and North-West zonal rollout of the Federal Government’s new innovation and industrialisation initiative, “Energise Commercialisation Now” (ECoN), scheduled for April 23 to 25,
Kano State will host the national launch and North-West zonal rollout of the Federal Government’s new innovation and industrialisation initiative, “Energise Commercialisation Now” (ECoN), scheduled for April 23 to 25, 2026.
The three-day programme, organised by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, is aimed at translating research outputs from universities and polytechnics into commercial products for industrial use and economic growth.
The initiative will be formally unveiled by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who will attend as Special Guest of Honour.
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Speaking on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, said the initiative positions Kano and the North-West region at the centre of Nigeria’s drive toward an innovation-led economy.
“ECoN is designed to mobilise innovation, attract investment, and accelerate industrial production across the six geo-political zones,” he said.
Day One, April 23, will focus on political leadership and national mobilisation. It will feature a welcome address by Governor Yusuf, keynote remarks by the FMIST Minister, the official launch by the First Lady, high-level panel discussions on federal-state synergy, and a mini exhibition of selected innovations.
Day Two, April 24, is set for innovation discovery, exhibition and evaluation. Activities include an innovators’ pitch zone, technical evaluation clinics, academia-industry roundtables, and consolidation of an investment-ready innovation pipeline.
Day Three, April 25, will cover investment and commercialisation. Structured deal rooms will connect innovators with investors, alongside sessions on financing frameworks and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding and commercialisation compacts.
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The event is to bring together federal and state governments, Northwest governors and their wives, research institutions, universities, polytechnics, innovators, startups, manufacturers, investors, development finance institutions, international partners, and traditional rulers.
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Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Zamfara, will present innovations for evaluation.
The Commissioner said the North-West is rich in agricultural resources, textile potential, solid minerals, and entrepreneurial culture, but many research outputs remain uncommercialised.
“ECoN provides a structured pipeline to identify commercially viable innovations, connect innovators with investors and manufacturers, provide IP advisory and standards certification, facilitate access to commercialisation finance, and prepare local innovators for international trade platforms including IATF 2027,” he said.
Kano has set up a Local Organising Committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Umar Farouk Ibrahim.
“Kano State is ready to lead Nigeria’s transition from an import-dependent economy to a production-driven, export-oriented industrial powerhouse," Waiya said.
