Nigeria’s government has opened applications for the ₦100 million AI project funded by tech giant, Google. The project is geared towards supporting Nigerian tech start-ups that are leveraging Artificial Intelligence to develop innovative solutions.
The ₦100 million AI fund will be managed by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) under Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy. The project is aimed at driving development and innovation in the Nigerian tech ecosystem.
To apply for the fund, your start-up must be domiciled in Nigeria. Also, you must have at least one Nigerian founder and have a product already in the market with proven traction and patronage. The application officially opened Tuesday, September 10, 2024 and will run till Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
Successful applicants will receive up to ₦10 million in funding with access to Google’s extensive resources, variety of AI tools, mentorship and networking. The fund is geared towards helping tech start-ups reach new heights while solving critical challenges through AI technology.
Commenting on the project, West Africa Director at Google, Olumide Balogun said “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 startups with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to innovate and succeed on a global stage.”
He urged interested tech enthusiasts to apply for the NCAIR AI fund via the official website of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.