TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION EXPO
The Technology and Innovation Expo formerly known as the National Science and Technology Week (NASTECH) is a statutory annual event aimed at creating awareness in Science and Technology and showcasing achievements in the sector. The Federal Government of Nigeria in one of its Federal Executive council meetings approved the third week of October every year throughout the country as the National Science and Technology Week. By this exercise, Government seeks to make Science and Technology a culture and a driver for the much desired Knowledge-Based Economy (KBE).
The maiden edition held in October 1988 and it has been successfully hosted in subsequent years. Having carefully noted the objectives of NASTECH and the need to highlight the role of innovation in economic diversification, the Honourable Minister approved that with effect from the 2017 Edition, the Expo should be renamed ‘’Technology & Innovation Expo’’.
The 2017 Edition of the Technology and Innovation Expo was held at the Eagle Square, Abuja and showcased a plethora of innovation and inventions. It had in attendance top Government officials, agencies and private investors. The success of the event is evident in remarkable improvement in the level of innovation in Nigeria. Before now, there were only 6 and 16 Patents for research findings recorded in 2015 and 2016 respectively. By the end of 2017, it rose significantly to 50 and it is projected that this figure will continue to rise significantly with subsequent editions.
The objectives of the expo are:
• Promotion of Research and Development (R&D) activities.
• Commercialization of R&D results/inventions and innovations.
• Encouraging Nigerians to take up science professions.
• Showcasing to the public, potentials of R&D institutions.
• Building of partnerships between Researchers and Investors.
• Encouraging and promoting creation of innovative enterprises utilizing Nigeria’s indigenous knowledge and Technology to produce marketable goods and services.
• Promotion of R & D, Industry Linkages.
Now in its 3rd year, the Technology and Innovation Expo is Nigeria’s most important science and technology exhibition and conference with exhibits from many of the country’s most innovative individuals and companies in the technology industry and a must-attend industry event. Visitors, exhibitors and expo delegates will enjoy networking opportunities that is unrivaled within the technology sector.
It is envisaged that subsequent editions of the Technology and Innovation Expo will be held across the six Geo-Political zones with the aim of creating more awareness and connecting innovators with investors across the nation.