The FUOYE Innovation Hub, Federal University Oye-Ekiti recently hosted the physical onboarding session for participants selected into the iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab Programme, marking another significant milestone in the University’s drive toward innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.
The onboarding brought together promising startup founders across different sectors, including healthcare, fintech, and digital services. Among the founders at the event were:
Akinsika Ogooluwa Isaac – MediClaim (FinTech)
Adeosun Oluwakemi Omolola – SachaPay Identity (FinTech)
Akinbiyi Adedamola Ajoke – Med Record (Healthcare)
Olaboye Theophilus – Laban AI (Digital Services)
The programme also featured experienced academic mentors who will guide participants throughout the innovation journey. The mentors include Dr. Adebimpe Esan, Head of Department, Systems Engineering, and Dr. Daniel Uguru-Okorie of the Department of Mechatronics Engineering.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, the Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, Prof Joshua O. Ogunwole stated that the University remains committed to creating an enabling environment for innovation, creativity, and enterprise development among students and young professionals. He noted that initiatives such as the iDICE Startup Bridge provide practical pathways for transforming innovative ideas into impactful ventures capable of contributing to national development.
Also speaking, the Director of Innovation and Digital Technology, Prof. O. S. Ayanda, encouraged participants to maximize the opportunities provided by the programme through dedication, collaboration, and continuous learning. According to him, “Innovation is the bedrock of sustainable development, economic growth, and national transformation. The future belongs to individuals who are willing to think differently, solve problems creatively, and build solutions that impact society positively.”
Prof. Ayanda further emphasized that the FUOYE Innovation Hub will continue to support innovators and startup founders by providing mentorship, collaborative opportunities, and access to resources that can help scale their ideas into successful enterprises.
The iDICE Startup Bridge Programme is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, implemented by the Bank of Industry and supported by the African Development Bank to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation and startup ecosystem.