Abolaji Adebayo 
The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), with support from Google, has announced the launch of an AI Fund, a N100 million initiative aimed at supporting Nigerian startups that are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop innovative solutions.
The initiative follows a series of strategic programmes by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, aimed at harnessing the potential of AI to drive development, innovation, and well-being in Nigeria.
Earlier this year, the Ministry held the Artificial Intelligence Strategy Workshop in April, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the future of AI in Nigeria.
This was followed by the release of the National AI Intelligence Strategy in August, which outlined the country’s roadmap for integrating AI into various sectors to enhance growth and societal well-being.
The AI Fund is a significant step in actualizing these plans, providing Nigerian startups with the necessary resources to innovate and scale their AI solutions.
The AI Fund is open to Nigerian-based startups that are focused on AI-driven technology solutions with the potential for significant impact. Selected startups will receive up to N10 million in funding, along with access to Google’s extensive resources, including AI tools, mentorship, and a global network designed to help them scale their innovations.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, who emphasised the importance of the initiative, said: “The AI Fund is a critical step in nurturing homegrown innovation that addresses local challenges and contributes to economic growth.
By supporting our startups, we are not only investing in their success but also in the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.” The National Coordinator of NCAIR, Dr. Bunmi Ajala, highlighted the collaborative effort, saying: “Our partnership with Google is a reflection of our shared vision for Nigeria’s technological advancement.
The AI Fund is designed to empower our entrepreneurs with the resources they need to create impactful AI solutions. We are excited to see the transformative innovations that will emerge from this programme.”
Also speaking, the West Africa Director, Google, Olumide Balogun, reiterated Google’s commitment. According to him, “Google’s support for the AI Fund is part of our broader mission to enhance digital capabilities across Africa.
We are committed to providing Nigerian start – ups with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to innovate and succeed on a global stage.” He explained that Google’s involvement in the AI Fund aligns with its broader AI commitments across Africa.
“Recently, Google announced a new cohort for its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme, focusing on building Africa-centric products and services using AI in transformative ways.
The cohort includes five Nigerian startups, further demonstrating Google’s dedication to nurturing AI innovation on the continent.”
He explained that the AI Fund is open to startups that are headquartered in Nigeria, have at least one Nigerian founder, focus on building AI-driven solutions with the potential to scale beyond the local market and have a live product in the market, demonstrating early traction and product-market fit.
He states that selected startups will receive funding up to N10 million to accelerate their growth, have access to Google’s AI tools and mentorship from Google engineers, and also get opportunities for international exposure and connections to Google’s vast network.
Balogun said the application will close on September 25, 2024 having been opened since September 10. “The selection process will be rigorous, with a focus on identifying startups that not only have innovative AI solutions but also the potential for significant impact and scalability.
Successful applicants will be announced in October 2024, with the program officially kicking off shortly thereafter.”
