Kano State will host the national launch and NorthWest zonal rollout of the federal government’s new innovation and industrialisation initiative, tagged ‘Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN),’ scheduled for April 23 to 25, 2026.
The three-day programme, organised by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, is aimed at translating research outputs from universities and polytechnics into commercial products for industrial use and economic growth.
The initiative will be formally unveiled by the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who is special guest of honour. Speaking on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Kano Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya said the initiative positions Kano and the North-West region at the centre of Nigeria’s drive towards an innovation-led economy.
“ECoN is designed to mobilise innovation, attract investment, and accelerate industrial production across the six geopolitical zones,” he said. Day one, being April 23, will focus on political leadership and national mobilisation, with a welcome address by Governor Yusuf.
Keynote remarks will be given by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and the official launch by the first lady, high-level panel discussions on federal-state synergy, and a mini exhibition of selected innovations. Day two will feature innovation discoveries, exhibition and evaluation.
Other activities include an innovators’ pitch zone, technical evaluation clinics, academia/industry roundtables, and consolidation of an investment-ready innovation pipeline. Day three will cover investment and commercialisation, followed by structured rooms that will connect innovators with investors, alongside sessions on financing frameworks and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding and commercialisation compacts.
The event is to bring together federal and state governments, North-West governors and their wives, research institutions, universities, polytechnics, innovators, startups, manufacturers, investors, development finance institutions, international partners, and traditional rulers.
