Nigeria is set to showcase between 400 and 500 research-driven innovations with commercial potential at the 2026 Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fair and Exhibition scheduled for November 24 to 27 in Abuja.
Chairman of the organising committee, Engr. Umar Bindir, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, saying the fair aims to bridge the gap between academic research and commercialisation by connecting inventors with investors, industries and business development experts.
Bindir said the committee received between 4,000 and 5,000 applications from universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, research institutions and private innovators across the country.
He explained that only projects with practical applications and reasonable levels of development would be selected for exhibition.
According to him, the innovations are expected to address challenges in critical sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, sanitation, housing and manufacturing, while creating opportunities for businesses and employment.
Bindir said the committee had engaged intellectual property experts to provide free guidance on patents, trademarks and industrial designs, alongside business development professionals to help innovators transform their ideas into sustainable enterprises.
He added that banks, investors, industries and government agencies were also being brought on board to address funding, product standardisation and market access challenges.
Giving an update on previous editions, Bindir disclosed that between 30 and 40 innovations had reached advanced stages of commercialisation, while several others were receiving support to improve their readiness for the market.
He said the 2026 edition would build on previous achievements by involving the business community more directly in identifying and supporting commercially viable innovations.
The fair will also feature an international symposium beginning November 25, with participants expected from China, India, Canada and Japan, as well as the World Bank, UNESCO and the African Development Bank.
A Japanese expert is expected to deliver the keynote address at the symposium.
Bindir said the international engagement would expose Nigerian innovators to global standards and strengthen the country’s capacity to develop and export homegrown technologies.
The exhibition will hold at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Trade Fair Complex, along Abuja Airport Road.
He commended TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, for providing administrative and logistical support towards the successful organisation of the event.
