ACE-SPED Awards 12 Million Naira Research, Innovative Grant to Students
Published on: 23/04/2024
The Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development (ACE-SPED) University of Nigeria, has awarded seed research grants valued at 12 Million naira to twelve student groups that have demonstrated innovative and entrepreneurial ideas that will lead to sustainable energy and power development. The research groups received One Million Naira each to develop samples of their ideas within a period of six months.
Among the standout projects selected for funding are initiatives like the creation of both fixed and mobile solar power stations tailored for shops and events, the development of a hydro-thermal generator pressure varying (HTPV-G) system, and the mass production and distribution of a hand-held watermelon ripeness detector to aid Nigerian farmers. Other notable projects include the design of portable solar generators and the production of bioethanol from agro-waste.
Speaking at the grant award ceremony on Tuesday, the Director of ACE-SPED, Professor Emenike Ejiogu said that the grant was part of ACE-SPED's mandate which aims to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and technology transfer in the area of sustainable energy and power development.
He emphasized that the grants represent the initial phase in a journey toward the realization and commercialization of innovative ideas, aimed at addressing societal needs while elevating the University of Nigeria and the students involved in the projects.
"We have provided you with seed funding; now demonstrate your potential”, Prof. Ejiogu stated, highlighting ACE-SPED's readiness to engage its industrial partners to facilitate the commercialization of the ideas.
He revealed that the selection process was rigorous, with over 30 applications received from diverse student research and innovation groups. The 12 chosen groups, comprising students from various departments and academic levels, were deemed to possess the greatest potential for impact and success.
Prof. Ejiogu, who also serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nigeria, urged both government and private sector stakeholders to prioritize investment in research and innovation within higher education institutions, because of their pivotal role in driving Nigeria's economic development.
