In line with its mandate to promote innovations through the 3Cs principle — Creation, Collaboration and Commercialization, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) on October 31, 2025, hosted Abuja’s biggest Founders’ Mixer.
The event, held at the NASENI headquarters brought together a vibrant mix of entrepreneurs, startup founders, investors and ecosystem enablers to connect, exchange ideas and explore new pathways for collaboration and growth.
During an engaging fireside chat, the Special Adviser to the NASENI Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu on Research Commercialization and Efficiency, Engr. Dr. Anas Balarabe Yazid, who represented the EVC/CEO, reaffirmed the Agency’s deliberate focus on accelerating Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
He emphasized the need for leadership vision to blend with technological creativity, entrepreneurial prowess and commercialization mindsets, ensuring that ideas translate into viable market solutions. He noted that NASENI is committed to empowering young innovators, supporting community-driven initiatives such as the Founders’ Mixer, and continuously improving its intervention programmes based on stakeholder feedback and evolving innovation needs.
The EVC encouraged participants to ensure that their inventions are geared toward solving societal challenges. “Design your products to solve customers’ problems,” emphasizing that there are two perspectives to innovation-the technology aspect and the business aspect.
He further added that in order to succeed in their noble course, they must have the right team to work with their vision. “Make NASENI your home because there are a lot for you to get from the Agency,” he urged.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Programme Manager of NASENI Innovation Hub, Mrs. Woka Philips-Ayinu introduced the Hub as a flagship initiative of the Agency established to support Nigerian innovators and startups by providing comprehensive support systems, facilitating effective partnerships and nurturing ideas from conceptualization to commercialization.
Mrs. Philips-Ayinu also sensitized participants on several existing NASENI intervention programmes, including InnoGov, DELTHER, DELTA-2, and the Innovate Naija Challenge. She further unveiled upcoming programmes such as Future Makers (to catch them young), NASENI Xceler8 for startups in science, engineering, manufacturing and technology, the NASENI Reverse Japa Programme aimed at tapping diaspora talent and curbing brain drain, as well as the NASENI Incubation Scheme
Participants including members of Founders’ Friday, Desire Collins and Okoli Valentine, in their remarks, expressed appreciation to NASENI for organizing such a transformative event. They described the NASENI Founders’ Mixer as a rare opportunity to learn, connect and gain insight into the operational mechanisms and opportunities that NASENI offers to young Nigerian inventors and entrepreneurs.
The event featured networking sessions, fun games, short pitches and experience-sharing moments, all geared towards fostering meaningful relationships, sparking new innovations and strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial community.
