BIOENTREPRENEURSHIP AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES DEPARTMENT (BECD)
Bioentrepreneurship refers to the process of identifying, developing, and commercializing innovative biotechnology-based products, services, or ventures with the aim of creating economic value and societal impact. It involves the application of entrepreneurial principles and business strategies to translate scientific discoveries and technological innovations in the field of biotechnology into successful businesses or initiatives.
Consultancy services in the context of bioentrepreneurship involve providing expert advice, guidance, and support to individuals, organizations, and institutions involved in biotech entrepreneurship and innovation. These services may include strategic planning, business development, technology transfer, regulatory compliance, intellectual property management, market analysis, funding acquisition, and other areas relevant to bioentrepreneurship.
Vision Statement:
To be a leading catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth in the biotechnology sector, driving economic development and societal impact through transformative bio-entrepreneurship initiatives.
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to cultivate a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration within the biotechnology sector by providing expert guidance, resources, and networks to existing aspiring bio-entrepreneurs and research institutions. Through strategic consulting, technology transfer facilitation, and industry partnerships, we strive to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge biotech research into impactful products, services, and ventures that address critical needs and create value for the society at large.
- To foster and support entrepreneurship within the biotechnology sector by facilitating the creation and growth of biotech startups, providing resources and guidance to bio-entrepreneurs
- To facilitate the transfer of technology and knowledge from research institutions, universities, and laboratories to the commercial sector.
- To contribute to economic development by fostering the growth of the biotechnology industry
Scope/Areas of focus
• Bio-Entrepreneurship Support
• Technology Commercialization
• Bio-Business Consultancy Services
• Industry Partnerships and Collaboration
• Capacity Building and Training
• Policy Advocacy and Support
The department is divided into two divisions
Products Development
- This division handles the development/ production of ‘low hanging research fruits’ such as:
Starter Culture development
- Fermented Products development (Yoghurt)
- Mobile Biogas development
- Bioreactors
- Eco-sanitation facility
- Ebola Diagnostic Kits
- Temporary immersion Bioreactors (TIBs) for mass production of Elite Plants
- Stem Cell Technology.
- Aquaculture for Fingerlings production
- Production of cryopreserved semen for livestock farmers
- Germplasm of indigenous fauna and flora
Industrialization & Bio-entrepreneurship
This division handles issues that concern the following:
- Bioreactor, Pilot and Production Plant establishment.
- Up-scaling and laboratory system to pilot scale and negotiations to establish production plants
- Appropriate mechanisms that will ensure the deployment of research output from the relevant sectors of Biosciences as generated by the technical departments, for commercialization.
- Bridging the laboratories and the market place for delivery of biotech R & D output.
- Elaborations of new enterprises to enable Nigeria to participate in the emerging global bio-economy.
- Regular Entrepreneurial Training.
Director Bioentrepreneurship Department
Dr. Hajara Yusuf
Dr Yusuf Hajara Oyiza holds a PhD in Crop Protection from the University of Abuja. Master Degree in Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology (Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona – Italy), PGD in Environmental Technology (Federal University of Technology, Owerri), and B.Sc. Biochemistry (Ahmadu Bello University Zaria).
Having an international exposure and professional training received from prestigious institutions such as the University of Tromso in Norway, Michigan State University in the USA, the International Centre for Genetics Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Italy, the African Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE) in Burkina Faso, and the Bio Risk Management training with Sandia Lab in the USA. Actively engaged in various professional associations, serves on the editorial board member of numerous peer reviewed scientific publishing journals. She had over 50 scientific research publication records in reputable journals across the globe and around 100 citations. Served as reviewer for both Scopus and Web of Science indexed Journals (19 reviews for 11 publications/grants). She is also a Biosafety and Biosecurity Ambassador for HONA Tech Ltd, showcasing her expertise in promoting safety in biotechnological practices. She is a member of numerous professional associations both locally and internationally where she had served as an executive member.
Her expertise extends beyond academic pursuits, as she played a pivotal role in the drafting, review, and defense of the Nigerian National Biosafety Bill, signed into law in 2015 by the former President Goodluck E. Jonathan. Her active participation in the global discourse on biosafety is highlighted by her involvement as a member of an Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) on risk assessment and management of biosafety, as well as chairing online meetings for the African group, showcasing her leadership role.
Tel: +2348066042543
BEC Department HOD, Division
Bioentrepreneurship Division
Name: Edet Benedict Okon
Phone: 08112906848
Email: ayekedu@gmail.com
Consultancy Services Division
Name: Doris Ilozobhie Osashalicemen
Phone: 07033303505
Email: doreerosa@gmail.com
Technology Transfer & Commercialization
Name: Igwe Nnamdi George
Phone:08035906986
Email: georgeigwe@gmail.com
Innovation & Investment
Name: Oshanupin Sunday Olajide Phone:08025740954 Email: joshanupin@yahoo.com |
PROGRAMME SCOPE OF THE DEPARTMENT
Promotion and establishment of biotechnology enterprises.
- Compendium of market-driven enterprises with R&D results.
- Identification and compilation of established profitable enterprises
- Zonal survey of research institutions for the compilation of shelve enterprise R & D
Development of bio-enterprises and introduction through extension activities
- Identification of interim consultants for the specific bio-enterprises.
- Exposure of designated NABDA staff to skills of specific bio-enterprises.
- Development of investment profiles for each adopted enterprise.
- Acquisition and construction of appropriate tools and equipment for the demonstration of enterprises at appropriate locations in each zone
- Training of designated NABDA staff in extension practices
Projects in the Department
Training courses for youths, women and other entrepreneurs.
- Well planned practical courses involving interim consultants and designated trained NABDA staff in all adopted enterprises
- Advertisement of courses calling for applications prior to the time
- Mounting of zonal courses
- Courses to be certificate awarding
Projects in the Department
Copy and adaptation of technologies including the introduction of manufacturing capacity for important biotechnology products
- Identification and negotiation for expired profitable and expandable patents
- Provision of conducive climate for the establishment of enterprises
- Negotiation terms to include capacity building as well as the transfer of enterprise outfit after a period to NABDA
- Fabrication of equipment/machinery for proven enterprises through the application of copy and adaptation technology
- Establishment of linkages
- Forging of linkages between laboratories & investors
- Facilitation of deployment of research outputs to pilot scale
- Development of zonal pilot plant clusters
- The wooing of local investors
- Training and a good understanding of IPR issues
- Designation of a desk for IPR issues
Development of Biotechnology Park(s)
- Movement of Pilot plants to industrial scale
- Attraction of investors
- Zonal Biotech industrial clusters
Core Activities of the Department
Bioentrepreneurship Support
- Promoting entrepreneurship in biotechnology by assisting scientists and innovators in turning research ideas into viable business ventures.
- Providing suggestions, advisory, and incubation support for biotech startups.
- Organizing entrepreneurship awareness and training programs for young scientists and students.
Technology Transfer and Commercialization
- Facilitating movement of research outcomes and innovations from laboratories to commercial markets.
- Supporting researchers in securing intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, etc.)
- Providing assistance for licensing agreements and startup formation based on developed technologies.
Bio-Business Consultancy Services
- Offering expert advisory services on business strategy, market feasibility, and product development for biotech-based enterprises.
- Providing consultancy to individuals, government agencies, and private investors interested in biotechnology ventures.
- Assisting with regulatory guidance and compliance for biotech products and processes.
Innovation and Investment Facilitation
- Supporting linkages between inventors, investors, and industries for funding and technology deployment.
- Establishing business incubation and startup accelerator programs.
- Coordinating partnership platforms for investment readiness and proposal development.
Bio-Industry Engagement and Collaboration
- Building partnerships with private sector, universities, and international biotech organizations.
- Promoting technology-based collaborations and joint ventures in biotechnology.
- Showcasing Nigerian biotechnology potential through exhibitions, seminars, and conferences.
Capacity Building and Training
- Organizing training programs and workshops in bio-business, innovation management, and commercialization
- Developing entrepreneurship modules for scientific officers and young researchers.
- Facilitating knowledge exchange through guest lectures, mentorship, and skill development activities.
Achievements
Departmental Establishment and Structure
- Successfully set up operational framework, staffing (scientific and commercial officers), and defined work processes.
- Developed standard operating procedures and departmental work plan.
Capacity Building Initiatives
- Organized a departmental presentation on bioentrepreneurship and commercialization
- Engaged the staff on bioentrepreneurship presentation, every Monday in a week.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Initiated partnerships with other organization such as Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC)for agribusiness and bio-enterprise training.
- Participated in biotechnology exhibitions and stakeholders meeting to promote departmental visibility.
Consultancy Services
- Successfully draw up a business plan for fish feed production and yoghurt starter culture for yoghurt production.
- Provided consultancy input to biotechnology-based projects within the Agency.
Innovation and Commercialization Support
- Identified and evaluated research outcomes with commercialization potential in some of the agency’s biotech products.
- Successfully documented some of the identified commercializable products in the agency.
Public Awareness and Advocacy
- Conducted an online meeting with Directors/Coordinators of BioDeCs for sensitization on bioenterpreneurship department’s mandate.
- Contributed to national discourse on the importance of bioentrepreneurship in driving economic development.
Internal Capacity and Team Development
- Strengthened internal collaboration between scientific and commercial officers.
- Built an interdisciplinary culture of innovation and business orientation among staff.
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