The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), through its Directorate of Research and Innovation, hosted a capacity-building seminar on 22 May 2026 to equip researchers, staff, and students with the knowledge required to access funding opportunities from the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).Held at the AUSTInspire Innovation Hub under the theme, “From Research to Market: Master the NASENI Proposal Process,” the seminar focused on helping participants understand how to transform research outputs into commercially viable innovations.Leading the session, Dr Eunice Ngozi Akpala-Okoroafor, Acting Director of Research and Innovation, guided participants through NASENI’s funding platforms and application requirements, stressing the importance of early preparation and proper documentation.Dr Bello Abdulhakeem, Vice President and Director of Academic Planning, highlighted the key elements of successful proposals, including innovation, collaboration, commercial viability, and alignment with NASENI’s priority sectors.Participants also benefited from insights shared by Mrs Halima Saliu, a PhD student and recipient of funding under NASENI’s DELT-Her Initiative, who spoke on the importance of market relevance and user acceptance in securing grant support.The seminar concluded with a strong call for researchers to leverage available funding opportunities to advance innovation, commercialise research outcomes, and contribute to national development.