Infostride News reports that the Federal Government has disclosed the names of 45 startups chosen to participate in the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research (NAIR) scheme. This initiative, designed to promote the development of artificial intelligence (AI) projects, will provide each selected startup with a grant of N5 million from the government.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy highlighted that the chosen startups span various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, finance, and education, showcasing their potential to elevate Nigeria’s technological landscape on the global stage.
The primary objective of the NAIR scheme is to cultivate a thriving and sustainable AI ecosystem in Nigeria. This involves not only financial support through grants but also encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration within the AI industry. The Minister emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and leveraging AI for societal advancement, noting that the response to the call for applications was overwhelming.
The selection process was described as meticulous, with 26 distinguished Nigerian AI experts from around the world participating in the evaluation. The Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of the proposals, stating that the chosen startups and individual researchers stood out among the numerous applicants. These exceptional proposals address critical challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education, finance, security, and environmental sustainability, offering the potential to revolutionize industries and empower communities.
The list of grant recipients includes a diverse mix of established AI startups and individual researchers, showcasing the breadth of talent and innovation within the Nigerian AI community. Some notable recipients and their projects include:
1. Ofordum Ikenna David: Revolutionizing cancer treatment in Nigeria using machine learning and deep learning algorithms.
2. TechCare Diagnostics Research Team: Creating a centralized online library for the collection and interpretation of medical imaging data using AI.
3. Aurelius: Developing an AI system for automated contouring in radiation therapy planning.
4. Hauwa Ahmad Amshi: Researching AI and telemedicine for predicting, monitoring, and raising awareness about chronic kidney disease linked to water contamination.
5. Lagos State University: Working on wearable sensor-based AI systems for early detection and personalized management of lung cancer.
6. Cardio Intel: Creating AI-enabled mobile apps for personalized monitoring and early detection of cardiovascular diseases.
7. Nurse Oge: Using an AI-powered healthcare model for patient monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment.
8. Nasir Idris Ibrahim: Developing an AI-driven mental health support platform leveraging cloud computing for personalized assistance to people dealing with depression.
9. Dr. Obasa, Adekunle Isiaka: Applying hybrid machine learning techniques to improve the diagnosis of ischemic strokes in CT scan images.
10. Adejo George Ode: Predicting and preventing tropical diseases using AI in regions with limited resources.
These examples represent a snapshot of the diverse range of AI projects that will receive government support through the NAIR scheme. From agriculture to healthcare, the selected startups and researchers are poised to make significant contributions to technological advancement in Nigeria.
The Minister highlighted the significance of AI in addressing pressing challenges, and the selected projects align with the country’s growth objectives. The government’s commitment to nurturing innovation and leveraging AI for societal progress is evident in the support provided to these startups.
In conclusion, Infostride News covers the unveiling of the 45 startups selected for the NAIR scheme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant AI ecosystem in Nigeria. The financial grants, combined with knowledge sharing and collaboration initiatives, are expected to propel these startups to make meaningful contributions to various sectors, ultimately shaping Nigeria’s technological future on a global scale.
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