TETFund Launches Call for Applications for 2nd National Research Fair & Exhibition 2026
TETFund Launches Call for Applications for 2nd National Research Fair & Exhibition 2026
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has officially announced a call for participation for the Second TETFund National Research Fair & Exhibition (NRFE 2026). Structured specifically as a high-stakes deal-making platform rather than a simple display gallery, the event aims to bridge Nigeria’s long-standing gap between academic research and commercial market viability.
Operating under the theme “Research to Market: Driving Innovation, Enterprise and National Prosperity,” the four-day event will gather researchers, startups, venture capitalists, corporate innovation leads, and government agencies under one roof to negotiate licenses, sign term sheets, and fund commercial-ready intellectual property.
Turning Inventions into Enterprise According to the circular signed by TETFund Executive Secretary Arc. Sonny S. T. Echono, Nigeria frequently produces prototypes and research that stall before reaching commercial distribution. NRFE 2026 is designed to fast-track these research outputs into viable commercial products, registered companies, and local jobs.
The fair will host a wide array of activities, including live technology demonstrations, startup pitch sessions, one-on-one deal rooms, and commercialization clinics. Key focus sectors include Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Health and Biotechnology, Agriculture, Manufacturing, FinTech, Defence Technologies, and Renewable Energy.
Application Timeline and Submission Details Applications are open to academic researchers, independent inventors, innovation hubs, angel investors, and technology transfer offices across Nigeria.
Interested participants must complete the online Universal Screening Questionnaire between September 14 and October 2, 2026, via the official portals (researchfair.tetfund.gov.ng, tetfund.gov.ng, nrf.tetfund.gov.ng, or teras.ng). Shortlisted applicants will receive confirmation and logistics guidance ahead of the main event scheduled for November 24 to 27, 2026, at the Abuja Trade and Convention Centre
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HOW TO APPLY
- Complete the Universal Screening Questionnaire accompanying this circular, or the online equivalent at https://researchfair.tetfund.gov.ng; www.tetfund.gov.ng; www.nrf.tetfund.gov.ng; www.teras.ng
- Submit the completed questionnaire and supporting documents to https://researchfair.tetfund.gov.ng; www.tetfund.gov.ng; www.nrf.tetfund.gov.ng; www.teras.ng on or before the deadline indicated below:
- Shortlisted applicants will be notified by email and by phone message (text or WhatsApp) and issued further exhibition, matchmaking or symposium logistics guidance.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION
The submission portal will be open from 14th September to 2nd October 2026. For all other enquiries, contact the TETFund National Research Fair/Exhibition Committee at ubindir@yahoo.com; adesoji.adesugba@accnigeria.com; coakinbile@futa.edu.ng; belloka@tetfund.gov.ng; rdcetechunit@gmail.com
DATE AND VENUE
The 2nd TETFund National Research Fair/Exhibition is a 4-day event starting from 24th to 27th November, 2026 at the Abuja Trade and Convention Centre, Airport Road, Abuja, from 9.00 am daily.
Key Information Extracted from the Official Circular
- Event Title: Second TETFund National Research Fair & Exhibition 2026 (NRFE 2026)
- Theme: “Research to Market: Driving Innovation, Enterprise and National Prosperity”
- Organizer: Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) through the NRFE 2026 Planning Committee
- Purpose: To serve as a deal-making marketplace and commercialization platform connecting local research outputs with capital, manufacturers, and buyers.
- Eligible Applicants: Universities, polytechnics, research institutes, startups, innovation hubs, independent inventors, creative industry practitioners, and government agencies.
- Sectors Covered: Agriculture, Health & Biotech, EdTech, AI & Robotics, Manufacturing, Mining/Energy, Defence, FinTech, Cybersecurity, and other emerging tech fields.
- Key Dates:
- Application Portal Window: September 14, 2026 – October 2, 2026
- Exhibition Event: November 24 – 27, 2026 (4-day event starting at 9:00 AM daily)
- Venue: Abuja Trade and Convention Centre, Airport Road, Abuja
