Abah Felicity 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Israeli Government has confirmed funding for the fifth edition of the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (iFAIR), reinforcing its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and supporting young entrepreneurs to transform ideas into sustainable businesses.
Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, announced the funding on Friday at the closing ceremony and Innovation Showcase of iFAIR Cohort 4 in Abuja, describing the fellowship as a symbol of the growing innovation partnership between Nigeria and Israel.
“Today is a celebration of what is possible when Israel and Nigeria believe in each other. I am so proud to stand here today and announce that we have secured with our partners funding for iFAIR 5, and iFAIR 5 will be launching in October 2026,” Freeman said.
Freeman said innovation goes beyond technological advancement, stressing that resilience, creativity and the ability to identify opportunities amid challenges are the qualities that distinguish successful entrepreneurs.
“This programme has never been about bringing Israeli solutions to Nigeria. It’s been about helping brilliant Nigerian innovators develop Nigerian solutions to Nigerian challenges supported by Israeli experience, mentorship, and innovation.”
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said the iFAIR programme is addressing one of Nigeria’s biggest innovation challenges by bridging the gap between academic research and commercial enterprise.
“The main problem we are solving is how to commercialise university research results and inventions, bridging the gap between academia, government, and the productive industrial sector,” Echono said.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Otamere Gladness 