AUST, Others Attend Launch Of NIGCOMSAT Acceleration Program
On Wednesday, the 18th of June 2025, the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, joined other corporate organizations as the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), launched it's Acceleration Program.
NIGCOMSAT, through the event, reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the next generation of space-tech entrepreneurs in the country.
Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, during in her welcome address stated that the Acceleration Program Launch was put in place to help Africa take its place in the space networks around the globe.
The event's theme, "Innovation in Orbit: Empowering the Next Generation of Space-Tech Entrepreneurs," highlighted the importance of partnerships in unlocking the nation's potential.
The NIGCOMSAT boss noted that Nigeria was one of the first countries in Africa to launch a satellite and emphasized the need to enable the state-of-the-art upstream solutions to realize life-changing problems in the space-tech industry.
"NIGCOMSAT's Acceleration Program Launch is a 6-month initiative that aims to support startups in product development, business development, and demo preparation" she added.
The program is aimed at providing Nigerian startups with access to space assets, market and government linkages, investment readiness, funding, technical and business mentoring, and active support from global accelerators.
A panel discussion at the event highlighted the importance of collaboration and policy support for startups. The discussion centered on the Startup Act and tax breaks and incentives available to startups, with many participants unaware of these benefits.
The event attracted some notable Nigerian startups from far and near, willing to leverage space technology for commercialization and development in Nigeria.
Dignitaries from the Nigerian Defence Forces, Nigerian Police Force, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria(SMEDAN), researchers, faculties, Nigerian policymakers, and students, including students from the University of Abuja, Nile University, and amongst the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) students also attended the memorable event.
In a goodwill message, Air Vice Marshal NV Aguiyi reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to collaborate with stakeholders to protect national assets and promote peace in the community.
He called for support beyond the event, emphasizing that partnerships can unlock the nation's potentials.
Other goodwill messages were received from the Nigerian Information Technology and Development Agency(NITDA), Nigerian Communications Commissions (NCC) and National Space and Research Development Agency (NASRDA).
The event demonstrated NIGCOMSAT's commitment to driving innovation and entrepreneurship in the space-tech sector, with the goal of making Nigeria a major player in the industry.