The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy (FMCIDE) and Google have announced the 10 startups to benefit from the N100 million Artificial Intelligence (AI) fund. The AI fund was launched in September 2024 and is coordinated by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and Google.
Through this fund, each selected startup will receive ₦10 million in financing and up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud credits to support scaling efforts. Additionally, startups will have access to Google’s premier AI tools, mentorship from Google’s AI specialists, and opportunities to connect within a global network of innovators and partners.
The 10 startups selected for the AI Fund are:
- BetaLife Health: Leverages AI to predict demand and match blood types for Africa’s blood supply needs.
- Bunce: AI-driven platform that centralises and personalizes customer engagement for businesses
- CDIAL AI: Enables seamless text-to-speech and speech-to-text AI functionality in 13 languages across underserved regions.
- Farmspeak: Leverages AI to support livestock farmers with disease detection and climate control.
- Lendsqr: Streamlines lending operations using AI, empowering global lenders and borrowers.
- ProDevs: Connects global companies with vetted African tech talent through AI-driven pre-classification and job matching.
- Rana Energy: AI-powered energy management optimising sustainable power for underserved users.
- SaaSPro Health: AI-driven healthcare documentation with tailored tools for Nigerian doctors.
- Towntalk: Leverages AI to provide contextual security insights for African communities, empowering informed decision making.
- Trade Lenda: Streamlines credit analysis for MSMEs using AI, facilitating access to financing.
The N100 million AI fund is part of the N2.8 billion commitment from Google to support the ministry’s efforts at accelerating growth in Nigeria’s digital economy.
