Open Innovation
Introduction to Open Innovation
Our Open Innovation (OI) programme supports Challenge Holders in finding innovative solutions to their key business challenges. This is via a proven process for identifying innovators with promising solutions, assessing their ideas, and facilitating collaborative pilots leading to positive outcomes.
- For Challenge Holders, the OI process strengthens supply chains, allows quick exposure to new technologies and leverages Innovate UK’s cross-sector networks to fast track the innovation procurement process in a time efficient manner.
- Solution Providers gain access to large businesses, engage in ongoing project collaboration, receive up to £25,000 in seed funding, and benefit from pitching and development support.
This video highlights the opportunities within Open Innovation in Nigeria and the support available.
Current challenges
Activities such as Open Innovation challenges, Open Innovation collaborations, Documented Case Studies, Presentation and Pitch Training, and New Technology Development secure Innovation Development Partnerships between Challenge Holders and Solutions Providers to address key socio-economic challenges for each country.
OPPORTUNITY
Recycling Plastic to Resin for Paint Production
The Open Innovation programme is supporting Berger Paints Nigeria Plc to find innovative solutions for recycling waste plastic into resin for paint production. Deadline extended to 29 November.
Find out more
EVENT
Berger Paints Nigeria Open Innovation Challenge Information Session and Q&A
Find out more about the Berger Paints Open Innovation Challenge: Recycling Plastic to Resin for Paint Production.
Watch recording
Previous challenges
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Challenge Holder: Flamingo Horticulture International
Challenge: To detect and control False Codling Moths in their chilli crops.
Case Study: Read about how UK-based company Petiole presented a fresh approach to Kenya’s long-standing False Codling Moth challenge. View here.
Challenge Holder: The WEEE Centre
Challenge: To find ways to re-use and recycle Cathode Ray Tubes.
Case Study: Read about how Milav and RISE addressed this challenge in 2023 and how also Quinnovations and Blue Planet Environmental Solutions worked collaboratively to tackle CRT waste in 2024. View here.
Challenge Holder: Kenya Airways
Challenge: To find innovative ways to increase airport accessibility using next generation technologies.
News: Read about how Wonder14 and Gazooky Studios are working on addressing his challenge. Watch this space for more updates! View here.
Challenge Holder: AMREF Health Africa
Challenge: Seeking ways to transform its digital learning and data collection tools for Community Health Workers, using next-generation technologies to create a more user-friendly and intuitive system.
Challenge Holder: Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK)
Challenge: To find innovative ways to increase shelf life and enable longer transportation times for perishable goods.
News: Read about how Saraya and Kenberry Consulting Ltd are working on addressing his challenge. Watch this space for more updates! View here.
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Challenge Holder: Hinckley Recycling
Challenge: To find innovative solutions for second life batteries and creating a Battery Management System. TGI asked us to help find solutions for crop damage by birds, a major source of food insecurity across Africa. In addition, Innovate UK has signed a Letter of Collaboration with First Bank Nigeria to run an Open Innovation challenge with the Bank’s extensive client base.
Challenge Holder: Berger Paints
Challenge: Looking for methods of converting expired paints, and paint fractions and components, into usable paints and other beneficial products.
Challenge Holder: Animal Care
Challenge: Looking for innovative ways to transform poultry manure into energy sources and other valuable outputs.
Challenge Holder: Lafarge Nigeria
Challenge: Building New From Old – Circular Construction Challenge
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Challenge Holder: Unilever
Challenge: To identify innovative solutions to promote a culture of ‘reduce, reuse and refill’ for their single-use plastic products sold by small traders and as online consumer goods.
Case Study: Read about how Triple Shine Detergent Solutions is set to revolutionise plastic waste management in rural communities. View here.
Challenge Holder: Rand Water
Challenge: To discover new approaches to the efficient treatment and beneficiation of drinking water.
Challenge Holder: Dolphin Coast Landfill Management DCLM (operated by Veolia)
Challenge: To accelerate their leachate concentration process and valorise paper waste.
Challenge Holder: SITA (Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques)
Challenge: To optimise aircraft turnaround times at regional African airports as a way to reduce emissions.
Related News
06/03/2024
Innovative measures against Nigeria quelea bird infestation through Innovate UK’s Open Innovation Challenge
Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa, through their Open Innovation Intervention partnered with Tropical General Investments Group (TGI) (an investor in consumer goods and agriculture) and Iknaia (a seasoned innovator and solution provider) to develop a dynamic and affordable solution that protects farmlands and preserves the livelihoods of vulnerable farmers.
Read more
07/12/2023
Business Mixer sparks collaboration for innovation in Nigeria
On 23 November 2023, a Business Mixer took place in Lagos in order to showcase the Open Innovation intervention of the Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa project and give information on current challenges. We would like to thank all organisers and participants for taking part in this important networking meeting.