The WIPO Nigeria Office (WNO), in collaboration with its implementing partner, The Orbra Company, is delighted to announce the selection of outstanding entrepreneurs and exceptional facilitators for the WIPO IP Labs program in Nigeria.

Launched in August 2023, innovators across Nigeria were invited to apply for a virtual incubation and acceleration program focused on leveraging intellectual property (IP) to drive business growth. Applications were evaluated based on criteria including viability, sustainability, IP potential, diversity, and local impact.

Participants

After a rigorous evaluation process, 56 innovators were chosen as participants, representing diverse industries, backgrounds and locations across Nigeria.

On being selected, the entrepreneurs expressed enthusiasm for the learning and growth opportunities provided by WIPO IP Labs. The program will equip them with knowledge and tools to transform their ideas into thriving businesses.

Selected Participants:

ARTHUR ALUMBA

JUMMAI VICTOR TELA

PRECIOUS OLUFEMI ADEPOJU

MICHAEL ADEOYE

SHABAN HARUNA

AUGUSTA OKAFOR

STEPHEN ADEYEMO

TERNENGE IKPAAHINDI

OBOT UMOH

DAN EBOH

DUNBE BIRSAN

INIOBONG JOHN

JOHN ADAKOLE

AISHA BALA

BASHIR ABBA KYARI

ABDULAZEEZ SALAHUDEEN

UTHMAN ALAO

UZOMA ONYEKACHI

JOSHUA ABEL

ADEYINKA MEDUOYE

THOMAS JAMES

JOHNSON JOHNSON

PAM GYANG

CHARLES UMEH

OLUWATOMISIN FAWEHINMI

TEMIDAYO YEMI ENIOLA

AUGUSTA OKAFOR

CHINYERE ROSITA EZEIRUAKU

PATIENCE IMEH

KAYODE FALUYI

EMMANUEL WILLIAMS

RICHARD OMOLE

ENIOLA ONI

DANIEL AKINYIWOLA

FAVOUR LEO-ADEGUN

MICHAEL OSUMUNE

OLAKUNLE JOSEPH

ADEOLA BAMIKOLE

OLUWAFOLAKANMI OYELEKE

AMIDU MOHAMMED

ABRA DANGNAN

SOLA BABALOLA

CHIOMA NNANNA

ESHIET EMMANUEL

NOMA SODIPO

RUBY IGWE

TOYIN ODUTOLA

CHIMOBI OGUDU

KAMAL ALIYU

IFEANYI ENWU

ADEWALE ADEBISI

ALEX NWACHUKWU

KOLAWOLE FALADE

TAIWO ISOLA

EFFORT OSAYOGIE

ABDULJALAAL ABUBAKAR

Facilitators

In addition, carefully selected industry experts will deliver training sessions and provide mentorship to participants. Their insights will be invaluable for equipping participants with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively leverage IP and develop viable businesses.

List of Facilitators:

  1. KAYODE OYEWOLE – Co-founder, Talstack
  2. UKINEBO DARE – Mastercard Foundation
  3. OLOLADE OTAYEMI – CEO at The Orbra Company
  4. JANE ODOWONDO – People Manager, Telesoftas
  5. JULIANA OBOH-JOSEPH – WIPO Nigeria Office
  6. MARIA HAMPTON – President, Elevate Ent. System. USA
  7. ‘LAMIDE JOHNSON – Storyteller, UK
  8. MIMSHACH OBIOHA – CEO, Nigeria at Telesoftas
  9. OLADIWURA OLADEPO – ED Tech4Dev
  10. STEPHEN TILLMAN – Global Partnership at Google

Program Overview

From September to December 2023, participants will benefit from tailored coaching with the program conducted in two stages:

Stage 1: General mentoring on startup development, design thinking, pitching, and IP introduction

Stage 2: Incubation, acceleration and IP Management Clinics to help participants leverage IP protection for business growth

Facilitator-led workshops, hands-on activities, and mentorship sessions will provide both theoretical learning and practical application. Participants will also be able to network with investors and industry veterans to forge connections that catalyze their entrepreneurial growth.

The WIPO IP Labs program represents a unique opportunity for individuals and teams to gain business acumen, refine their ideas, and bring impactful products and services to life.

WIPO congratulates the selected participants and looks forward to supporting their startup journeys. The future shines bright for those leveraging IP to drive solutions made in Nigeria, for Nigeria, and beyond!

For more information about the program, please visit the WIPO Nigeria website

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