NASENI-PICTT Launches DELTA-2 Second Call for Proposals

…As FG Insists on Commercialization of R&D Results to Boost the Economy

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT) have launched the second phase of the DELTA-2 Programme—the 2nd Call for Proposals—focusing on commercialization of R&D outcomes across key sectors of the economy.

The DELTA-2 Project is a bilateral collaboration between Nigeria (through NASENI-PICTT) and the Czech Republic (through the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, TA CR). It targets submissions from innovators, technology entrepreneurs, and researchers across mining, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, science and engineering.

The first Call for Proposals in 2022 attracted 285 submissions, with 25 projects funded in 2023. These have already resulted in innovative products and services across agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy—creating jobs, building capacity, and advancing technology transfer.

Chairman of PICTT, Dr. Dahiru Mohammed, described DELTA-2 as a major driver of innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development, aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s technological growth through international collaboration.

Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, noted that DELTA-2 is unique because of its emphasis on outcomes, bridging the gap between research and commercialization.

“It is research with purpose and market in mind, solving real problems, creating jobs, and delivering scalable products,” he said.

Halilu added that DELTA-2 also strengthens ties between Czech enterprises and Nigerian innovators, bringing European expertise and African creativity together to address challenges from climate change to digital transformation.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, stressed that funded projects must produce tangible, scalable, and commercially viable results that align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He highlighted priority areas such as agriculture, renewable energy, mining, industrial development, health, advanced manufacturing, digital mobility, climate tech, and defense innovation.

Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, praised the initiative as a reflection of President Tinubu’s commitment to fresh ideas and innovation, while calling for its extension to Nigerians in the diaspora.

Mr. John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu, Special Assistant to the President on Trade, Investment and Industry, commended NASENI and PICTT for aligning the programme with President Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy vision, emphasizing technology transfer as central to Nigeria’s industrialization and global competitiveness.