Israeli-backed technology innovation centre, Innov8, is set to establish a new tech hub in Lagos as part of its expansion drive to support start-ups and foster innovation across Nigeria.
Innov8, which has been operating in Abuja for several years, serves as a hub for start-up incubation, technology transfer, skill development, prototype fabrication, and venture creation. Since its inception in Nigeria, the non-profit, non-governmental organisation has worked with 132 innovators, aiming to boost socio-economic growth and human capital development through creativity, entrepreneurship, and capacity building.
The Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Miriam Haskel-Harpaz, announced the Lagos expansion during an official visit, noting that Innov8 has already attracted millions of dollars in foreign investment to Nigeria. She revealed that Samsung had invested $250 million in one of the programme’s graduates, while another start-up secured $250,000 in funding.
Haskel-Harpaz said the centre has selected 40 start-ups for its fourth recruitment round—double the number from previous cohorts—to receive training and mentorship in innovation and entrepreneurship.
“We are happy to open this opportunity to more brilliant and creative Nigerian minds, giving them the skills to develop and market their products, advance humanity, and contribute to national growth,” she stated.
She emphasised that the project fosters “government-to-government and people-to-people” connections, strengthening ties between Nigeria and Israel.
According to her, discussions are ongoing with the Nigerian Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to finalise the Lagos hub, with further expansions planned in the future.
