The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has established a strategic partnership with Switzerland’s École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Innovation Park.

Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research Development Agency, Dr. Felix Ale, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

EPFL is a prestigious Swiss federal university located in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is one of the two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, alongside ETH Zurich.

EPFL Innovation Park, established in 1993, supports over 280 startups in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

Ale noted that this collaboration aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda, focusing on economic diversification and technological advancement.

According to the statement, Nnaji’s visit to EPFL underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering an innovation-driven economy.

“This partnership represents a bold leap for Nigerian innovation,” Nnaji stated, emphasising the importance of aligning Nigeria’s growth vision with EPFL’s expertise in sustainability, health, and digital trust.

Nnaji noted that “the collaboration opens doors for our local startups to leverage EPFL’s resources and mentorship.”

He highlighted the park’s role as a bridge between academic research and market-ready applications.

He added that, during discussions with the Managing Director of Fondation EPFL Innovation Park, Ms Lan Zuo Gillet, the two explored avenues for mutual benefit.

Gillet expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are eager to collaborate with Nigeria and share our expertise in nurturing startups.”

The minister stated that an aspect of the partnership is the interest from Swiss startups in the Nigerian market adding that many of these companies, specializing in renewable energy and healthcare, are keen to introduce their innovations to Nigeria.

“The interest shown by Swiss startups could catalyze a technological revolution across our industries,” Nnaji said.

He said the partnership promises to unlock unprecedented opportunities for Nigerian researchers and entrepreneurs, offering access to European markets and boosting Nigeria’s global innovation influence.

“By embracing Switzerland’s cutting-edge ecosystem, we are setting a new standard for science and technology leadership in Africa,” Nnaji added.

He said this collaboration is expected to yield significant outcomes, enhancing the nation’s technological capacity and creating high-quality jobs.

“This partnership is not just an exchange; it is a transformative step toward establishing Nigeria as Africa’s innovation epicentre,” he said.

PUNCH