Moolu

Celebrating a remarkable milestone with the NIIRIC team and the Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) at the successful 2nd NIIRIC Annual Gathering.
Moolu Venture Lab is proud to have led the development and delivery of the Lab to Market: Research to Commercialization Toolkit, funded by The RISA Fund. This toolkit represents a significant step forward in strengthening Nigeria’s research commercialization ecosystem and empowering innovators with practical pathways to bring ideas to market.
Our CEO, Prince Ogbonna, had the honor of presenting the toolkit’s key insights and findings during a high-level panel session at the Annual Gathering—an important moment for the country’s ongoing efforts to translate research into viable, scalable enterprises.
A big congratulations to the entire NIIRIC team, IIF, and all ecosystem stakeholders who worked tirelessly in co-developing the toolkit and to advancing innovation and commercialization in Nigeria. Thanks to the NIIRIC Program manager Kingsley Godwin FIMC, CMC and the CEO of Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) Etemore Glover - (MBA) for the support.
We are excited for the ripple effects this work will create across the nation. Onward to greater impact. Kindly find link to download the toolkit below.
https://lnkd.in/dvEGaB8W

Only 2% of research outputs in Nigeria makes it to market, we’re changing that.
At Moolu Venture Lab, we’re proud to serve as the Lead Consultant in developing Nigeria’s first Research-to-Commercialization (R2C) Toolkit, a landmark initiative designed to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research outputs and market-ready innovation.
The R2C toolkit Validation Workshop, held in Lagos under the leadership of the Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) through NIIRIC, marked a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and in collaboration with major stakeholders in Nigeria inclusive of Nigeria Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology Innovation Roadmap NSITR 2030, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), members of the RICC committee and other stakeholders.
Guided by our CEO, Prince Ogbonna, the toolkit was co-created with experts across academia, government, and industry, transforming systemic bottlenecks into actionable pathways for commercialization.
We extend our profound gratitude to the leadership of Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) — the CEO, Etemore Glover - (MBA) for her impeccable drive to revolutionize the research to commercialization landscape in Nigeria, COO Chizoba Ada Emmanuel-Awakessien, MCIPMN for her support in coordinating several stakeholders, and the NIIRIC Program Manager Kingsley Godwin FIMC, CMC for his foresight and relentless drive for research and innovation impact in Nigeria— for their unwavering dedication to advancing Nigeria’s research and innovation agenda. Our appreciation also goes to The RISA Fund and UKAID for their support and Alice Omisore-Dada for her constructive feedback and continued support in domesticating the toolkit to Nigeria’s realities.
The final toolkit will be available for researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and policymakers to guide the efforts forward in turning research outputs into viable commercial products.
Together, we’re reaffirming Moolu Venture Lab’s mandate: to strengthen the Nigerian innovation ecosystem and accelerate the journey from ideas to impact.

It was an honor to speak at the Deep Tech Summit at UM6P - Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in 2025, an event that truly exceeded expectations in every dimension.

Prior to arriving in Morocco, I had a thoughtful conversation with Ajibola Odukoya, COO of AfriLabs, regarding the current landscape of innovation across Africa. Our discussion highlighted both the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead for the continent's tech ecosystem.

Representing both AfriLabs MOOLU Venture Capital LP and Moolu Venture Lab during the summit in various capacities, I was consistently impressed by the caliber of programming and discourse. UM6P and the DTS organizing team delivered an exceptional experience, convening some of the most influential minds in deep tech from across the globe. The conversations were substantive and focused on creating tangible impact for Africa and beyond. Much credit goes to Yassine Laghzioui, CEO of UM6P Ventures and chief convener of DTS 2025, whose vision and leadership were evident throughout.

The summit provided valuable opportunities to reconnect with industry colleagues and forge new relationships. I was particularly pleased to meet AU Ambassador in Innovation, Lavina Ramkissoon, in person, and had fruitful conversations on moving the continent forward. I also engaged in meaningful discussions with Dr. Bienvenu Comlan Agbokponto Soglo, Ph.D., Director of Government Affairs at Intel Corporation.

The venture capital community was well represented, with insightful exchanges alongside Driss Laraki, Omar Sayegrih, Mark Kleyner, and Thaheer Mullins. I also valued connecting with quantum computing expert André M. König and celebrating with Marwan Berrada-Sounni on their impressive $25M fund 1 closing.

A highlight was conducting a fireside chat with Hajar Boushab on AI talents in Africa and the funding landscape for them. I also had the opportunity to do a speed mentorship with 6 PhD and master’s students on deep learning frameworks. I extend my sincere appreciation to the organizers, speakers, and all participants who contributed to this landmark event.

The conversations are not going away soon. I’m looking forward to continued collaboration as we advance innovation across Africa. Special thanks to Lamiaa El Amrani, Valentin Marin, Mariam Ramadam, Muez Ali, Karima Omar, Najoua Labjar, Sabria Lagoun, Jinane Abounadi (MIT), Ikram Labtaini, Jongkil Lee, Naouel Hanani, Lofred Madzou, Ilias Benjelloun, Faten Aissi, Prasanth K., Maryem Barrit, Amina Lahbabi, Ph.D., Fay Cowper, Salma Bouaissi, Stephanie Herrmann.