The WIPO Nigeria Office (WNO), in collaboration with its implementing partner, The Orbra Company, is delighted to announce the selection of outstanding entrepreneurs and exceptional facilitators for the WIPO IP Labs program in Nigeria.
Launched in August 2023, innovators across Nigeria were invited to apply for a virtual incubation and acceleration program focused on leveraging intellectual property (IP) to drive business growth. Applications were evaluated based on criteria including viability, sustainability, IP potential, diversity, and local impact.
Participants
After a rigorous evaluation process, 56 innovators were chosen as participants, representing diverse industries, backgrounds and locations across Nigeria.
On being selected, the entrepreneurs expressed enthusiasm for the learning and growth opportunities provided by WIPO IP Labs. The program will equip them with knowledge and tools to transform their ideas into thriving businesses.
Selected Participants:
| ARTHUR ALUMBA | ADEYINKA MEDUOYE | OLUWAFOLAKANMI OYELEKE |
| JUMMAI VICTOR TELA | THOMAS JAMES | AMIDU MOHAMMED |
| PRECIOUS OLUFEMI ADEPOJU | JOHNSON JOHNSON | ABRA DANGNAN |
| MICHAEL ADEOYE | PAM GYANG | SOLA BABALOLA |
| SHABAN HARUNA | CHARLES UMEH | CHIOMA NNANNA |
| AUGUSTA OKAFOR | OLUWATOMISIN FAWEHINMI | ESHIET EMMANUEL |
| STEPHEN ADEYEMO | TEMIDAYO YEMI ENIOLA | NOMA SODIPO |
| TERNENGE IKPAAHINDI | AUGUSTA OKAFOR | RUBY IGWE |
| OBOT UMOH | CHINYERE ROSITA EZEIRUAKU | TOYIN ODUTOLA |
| DAN EBOH | PATIENCE IMEH | CHIMOBI OGUDU |
| DUNBE BIRSAN | KAYODE FALUYI | KAMAL ALIYU |
| INIOBONG JOHN | EMMANUEL WILLIAMS | IFEANYI ENWU |
| JOHN ADAKOLE | RICHARD OMOLE | ADEWALE ADEBISI |
| AISHA BALA | ENIOLA ONI | ALEX NWACHUKWU |
| BASHIR ABBA KYARI | DANIEL AKINYIWOLA | KOLAWOLE FALADE |
| ABDULAZEEZ SALAHUDEEN | FAVOUR LEO-ADEGUN | TAIWO ISOLA |
| UTHMAN ALAO | MICHAEL OSUMUNE | EFFORT OSAYOGIE |
| UZOMA ONYEKACHI | OLAKUNLE JOSEPH | ABDULJALAAL ABUBAKAR |
| JOSHUA ABEL | ADEOLA BAMIKOLE |
Facilitators
In addition, carefully selected industry experts will deliver training sessions and provide mentorship to participants. Their insights will be invaluable for equipping participants with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively leverage IP and develop viable businesses.
List of Facilitators:
- KAYODE OYEWOLE - Co-founder, Talstack
- UKINEBO DARE - Mastercard Foundation
- OLOLADE OTAYEMI - CEO at The Orbra Company
- JANE ODOWONDO - People Manager, Telesoftas
- JULIANA OBOH-JOSEPH - WIPO Nigeria Office
- MARIA HAMPTON - President, Elevate Ent. System. USA
- ‘LAMIDE JOHNSON - Storyteller, UK
- MIMSHACH OBIOHA - CEO, Nigeria at Telesoftas
- OLADIWURA OLADEPO - ED Tech4Dev
- STEPHEN TILLMAN - Global Partnership at Google
Program Overview
From September to December 2023, participants will benefit from tailored coaching with the program conducted in two stages:
Stage 1: General mentoring on startup development, design thinking, pitching, and IP introduction
Stage 2: Incubation, acceleration and IP Management Clinics to help participants leverage IP protection for business growth
Facilitator-led workshops, hands-on activities, and mentorship sessions will provide both theoretical learning and practical application. Participants will also be able to network with investors and industry veterans to forge connections that catalyze their entrepreneurial growth.
The WIPO IP Labs program represents a unique opportunity for individuals and teams to gain business acumen, refine their ideas, and bring impactful products and services to life.
WIPO congratulates the selected participants and looks forward to supporting their startup journeys. The future shines bright for those leveraging IP to drive solutions made in Nigeria, for Nigeria, and beyond!
For more information about the program, please visit the WIPO Nigeria website
