Lagos Doles Out N70m Grants To Researchers, Innovators

The Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) has awarded N70 million in grants to support groundbreaking research, innovative projects and STEM initiatives in the state.

The chairman of LASRIC and vice chancellor of Lagos University of Science and Technology, Prof. Olumiyiwa Odusanya, revealed this to newsmen during the awards ceremony held at the Banquet Hall, Governor’s Office, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

He said the awards aim to foster a knowledge-driven economy, enhance technological advancement, and empower startups, entrepreneurs and researchers.

He said the grants were awarded in three categories: Research and Development (R&D), Innovation, and STEM Education, reflecting Lagos’s commitment to nurturing talents that will shape the state’s future.

In his address, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, emphasised that the initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to build a modern, resilient economy fueled by creativity, knowledge, and sustainable growth.

He said, “The creation of LASRIC was driven by the goal of transforming Lagos into a knowledge-based economy. This platform has become a source of hope and support for young people, startups, entrepreneurs, and researchers across the state.”

The governor noted that his administration’s focus on technology and innovation drives economic growth, empowers citizens, and develops an inclusive, resilient economy.

According to him, LASRIC has funded several breakthrough ideas spanning various sectors, including health, education, mobility, fintech, climate change, culture, circular economy, and quantum computing.

Earlier, the state’s commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, emphasised that entrepreneurship, innovation, and R&D are pivotal for societal development.

He commended the awardees for their dedication and urged them to continue contributing to the value of Lagos and Nigeria.

The Research Awardees include Prof. Akintayo Olanrewaju Ogundajo, Dr. Metilelu Olumide Olusola, Dr. Ugochukwu Amaeze, Prof. Prince Emeka Ndimele, and Dr. Margret O. Sofidiya, each recognised for their work across various scientific disciplines.

The Innovation Awardees are: Blessing Aniefiok, Co-founder & Chief Operations Officer of Dynalimb Technologies; Chuks Oteke, a Nigerian engineer, filmmaker, and founder of Filmanatomie; Momore Oladiende, who leads the product and partnership team at Periculum; Olapeju Umah, founder and CEO of MyFoodAngels; and Olayinka Iyinolakan, Founder of CDIAL AI, a visionary technologist, researcher, and cultural advocate.