FG partners Google to support AI startups with N100m funds

The federal government, through the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), has partnered with Google to launch a N100 million artificial intelligence fund (AI Fund) initiative.

In a statement on Tuesday, Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, said the AI Fund was a critical step in nurturing homegrown innovation that addressed local challenges and contributed to economic growth.

“By supporting our startups, we are not only investing in their success but also in the future of Nigeria’s digital economy,” Tijani said.

On his part, Olumide Balogun, director of Google West Africa, said the initiative is aimed at supporting Nigerian startups that were leveraging AI to develop innovative solutions.

Balogun said the initiative followed a series of strategic programmes by the ministry of communications, innovation and digital economy.

He said Google’s support for the AI Fund was part of its broader mission to enhance digital capabilities across Africa.

“Google’s involvement in the AI Fund aligns with its broader AI commitments across Africa,” Balogun said.

“Recently, Google announced a new cohort for its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme, focusing on building Africa-centric products and services using AI in transformative ways.

“The cohort includes five Nigerian startups, further demonstrating Google’s dedication to nurturing AI innovation on the continent.”

In April, a Nigerian multilingual large language model (LLM) was launched at the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) workshop.

Referencing the event, the Google director said the workshop was followed by the release of the NAIS in August, outlining the country’s roadmap for integrating AI into various sectors to enhance growth and societal well-being.

He also said the AI Fund was a significant step in actualising these plans and providing Nigerian startups with the necessary resources to innovate and scale their AI solutions.

According to Balogun, the AI Fund was open to Nigerian-based startups that focused on AI-driven technology solutions with the potential for significant impact.

STARTUPS TO GET N10 MILLION, AI TOOLS

Highlighting the benefits of the initiative, Balogun said selected startups will receive up to N10 million in funding along with access to Google’s extensive resources.

“The Google resources included AI tools, mentorship and a global network designed to help them scale their innovations,” he said.

“This fund represents a unique opportunity to gain access to world class resources, mentorship, and networks that can accelerate their growth and amplify their impact.

“By backing the brightest AI-driven ideas, NCAIR and Google are helping to cultivate a new wave of innovation.

“Innovations that will not only solve critical challenges but also propel these startups to new heights within the global tech arena.”

Speaking of the partnership, Bunmi Ajala, national coordinator of NCAIR, said the collaboration reflects a shared vision for Nigeria’s technological advancement.

Ajala said the AI Fund was designed to empower entrepreneurs with the resources they needed to create impactful AI solutions.

The national coordinator said NCAIR was excited to see the transformative innovations that would emerge from the programme.