By: Manoah Kikekon
ILISHAN-REMO, NIGERIA – Babcock University is preparing to become the epicentre of Africa’s technological transformation as it hosts the AI & Babcock Innovation Venture (BIV) Commercialization Summit 2026. The high-level event, scheduled for April 21–22, 2026, aims to bridge the gap between academic research and global market success.
The two-day summit will take place at the university’s 600-seater BUTH venue, gathering global tech giants, venture capitalists, and policymakers to discuss the future of Artificial Intelligence and entrepreneurship in Africa.
A core objective of the summit is the official operationalization of the Babcock Innovation and Venture Centre (BUIV). This dedicated hub is designed to turn intellectual property into market-ready products, ensuring that researchers and students can earn economic value from their innovations.
The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Host, Professor Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, emphasized that the university is moving beyond theory to foster a "commercialization mindset."
“The world no longer rewards certificates but skills,” Prof. Ojewole stated. “We want to put our research into the market so that innovators can derive a reward for their labour. Efficiency without transformation is just speed in the wrong direction.”
Through initiatives like the “From Garage to Global” programme and the Babcock Innovative Enterprise Challenge (BEIC), the university is positioning its students to build venture-backed startups that can compete on the world stage.
The summit aligns with the Federal Government of Nigeria's strategy to reposition tertiary institutions as incubators for Artificial Intelligence. Signaling strong government support, the Minister of Innovation, Kingsley T. Udeh, is expected to attend as the Guest of Honour.
The event features an impressive roster of international thought leaders and industry experts, including: Abdullah Alsalmani, Nicky Verd, and Arvind Ravishunkar. Dr. Peter Obadare, Nissi Madu, and Folawemi Umunna. Charles Nnaji, Bekere Amassoma, and Okikioluwa Onamade.
These experts will provide actionable insights into funding AI enterprises, scaling digital growth, and the ethics of human-centred technology. The institution’s Entrepreneurship Development Centre will also play a pivotal role in teaching students how to be both technically proficient and commercially aware.
Babcock University has opened registration to students, academics, and industry stakeholders free of charge. This summit offers a rare opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to network with the funders and builders of the next generation of AI-driven enterprises.
Registration Portal: [www.babcockinnovation.com/events](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.babcockinnovation.com/events)