Research for Impact (R4i) 9.0: Introduction
The Research for Impact Initiative concluded its 9.0 edition on Friday the 4th of July 2023. R4i is an initiative of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in collaboration with Innov8 Hub. The 9.0 edition was designed for members of the Nigerian Academia from Technical Colleges of Education across Nigeria.
The Research for Impact Initiative 9.0 featured 18 lecturers from Technical Colleges of Education. The ultimate goal was transforming their research ideas into innovative solutions in line with global best practices.
Research for Impact (R4i) 9.0
At R4i 9.0, participants underwent the processes and procedures fundamental to the migration of research into innovation. Under the guidance of mentors and experts, participants went through mentorship and expertise, empathy research, problem definition, customer discovery, ideation, and prototype development; all with the ultimate goal of academics moving from research for publication to research for impact.
Over their 11-day residence at Innov8 Hub, participants were distributed into 4 Teams, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. These teams included: TEAM Zero Hunger, TEAM Quality Education, TEAM Industry, Infrastructure & Innovation, TEAM Sustainable Cities & Cities.
Research for Impact (R4i) 9.0: Closing Event
The culmination of R4i 9.0 led to a closing event attended by proponents of the Triple Helix Synergy (The Government, the Academia and the Industry). In attendance was the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle and other dignitaries.
The climax of the closing event featured each team presenting pitch videos of their prototypes to the audience.
TEAM Zero Hunger created ‘Gaki’. This innovation employs sound-based technology to emit frequencies targeting rodents and deterring them from infesting surrounding areas.
TEAM Quality Education developed ‘360 Workshop’. This innovation incorporates cutting-edge technologies such as Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality to provide students with an immersive and futuristic learning experience.
TEAM Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure developed the ‘Ceramic Power Pack’. This innovation is more than just an ordinary power pack, but one that integrates multi-power ceramic casings with high aesthetics. This doesn’t only stores electricity but also adds elements of beauty to the environment it serves.
TEAM Sustainable Cities and Communities developed “Mobile House’. This innovation aims to provide mobile housing options in the Niger Delta flood-prone regions during the flood seasons.
Research for Impact (R4i) 9.0: The End Goal
The Research for Impact Initiative continues to buttress the paradigm shift in research and development from the Nigerian academia. Innovations like these help to strengthen the Triple Helix Synergy among the Academia, Government and Industry.