Establishment of a BiomarkerSpace Centre in Ota City Nigeria

Niels NGUEDIA KAZE

Funding Area: Critical shared infrastructure / Infraestructura compartida critica

Problem Statement: The decline in domestic production of goods followed by an increasing dependence on imported products in Africa is a great challenge especially in Ota City and its surrounding areas where lack accessible and well-equipped facilities for individuals and organizations to conduct hands-on experiments and research in biotechnology. This restricts the growth and innovation potential in the field. Additionally the current educational and training programs in Ota City do not sufficiently address the practical skills needed for careers in biotechnology. As a result, individuals interested in the field face challenges in acquiring hands-on experience and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements. There is a need for a platform that facilitates collaboration and networking among researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals in the biotechnology sector. The absence of such opportunities hinders knowledge exchange, project collaborations, and the overall growth of the biotech ecosystem in the region.

Proposed Activities: BioMakerSpace offers a range of services and products to meet the needs of the biotech community, including: a- Lab space rental: BioSpace offers fully equipped lab space for rent by the hour, day, week, or month. Lab space includes access to basic equipment, such as centrifuges, pipettes, and incubators. b- Equipment use: BioMakerSpace also offers equipment for use on a pay-as-you-go basis, including high-end instruments such as sequencers and mass spectrometers. c- Workshops and training sessions: BioMakerSpace hosts a variety of workshops and training sessions on topics such as biotech startup fundamentals, lab safety, and scientific writing. d- Prototyping services: BioMakerSpace provides prototyping services to help biotech entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life, including 3D printing, CNC milling, and circuit prototyping. e- Consulting services: BioMakerSpace offers consulting services to biotech entrepreneurs and scientists, including market research, regulatory guidance, and business planning.

Openness: The biomakerspace center will be open and accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and community members interested in biotechnology. Efforts will be made to ensure physical accessibility, including considerations for individuals with disabilities. It will provide a collaborative and open laboratory environment, enabling users to work on their projects, conduct experiments, and explore biotechnology. The infrastructure will be designed to encourage knowledge sharing and interaction among users. The center will promote the sharing of equipment and resources, allowing users to access specialized tools and technologies that may not be affordable or readily available to them individually. This sharing culture will foster collaboration and cost-effective utilization of resources. It will organize training programs and workshops open to the broader community, including students, educators, and individuals interested in biotechnology. These programs will aim to build capacity and enhance knowledge in the field, creating opportunities for skill development. And will collaborate with local organizations, such as universities, research institutions, and community groups, to engage a broader community. Joint initiatives, research projects, and knowledge-sharing platforms will be established to encourage participation and collaboration.

Challenges: Securing adequate funding for the establishment and sustained operation of the biomakerspace center can be a significant challenge. Raising funds to acquire infrastructure, equipment, and resources, as well as supporting ongoing operational costs, may require extensive efforts, including grant applications, sponsorships, and partnerships. Infrastructure and Equipment Procurement: Identifying suitable infrastructure and procuring high-quality equipment within budget constraints can be challenging. Ensuring that the biomakerspace center has the necessary infrastructure, including proper utilities, safety measures, and reliable equipment, may require careful planning and coordination. Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to local regulations, permits, and safety standards can present challenges during the establishment of the biomakerspace center. Navigating the regulatory landscape, obtaining necessary permits, and implementing robust safety protocols require careful attention and expertise. Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging various stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, researchers, and community members, may pose challenges. Building partnerships, addressing diverse needs and expectations, and ensuring effective communication require ongoing efforts to establish trust and collaboration.

Neglectedness: Yes I submitted the project for financial support to the University but there were not funds available for the project.

Success: The success of the proposed work in establishing a Biomakerspace center in Ota City, Nigeria can be measured through: Utilization and Engagement: The level of utilization and engagement within the biomakerspace center can indicate success. This includes tracking the number of individuals and organizations using the facility, participating in training programs, workshops, and collaborative projects. Increased participation and consistent engagement reflect the relevance and value of the biomakerspace center to the community. Skill Development and Knowledge Transfer: Assessing the skill development and knowledge transfer among participants is crucial. Success can be measured through evaluating the acquisition of practical skills, scientific knowledge, and technological proficiency by individuals engaging with the biomakerspace center. Feedback from participants, pre- and post-assessments, and tracking their progression can provide insights into the impact of the center's activities. Collaborative Projects and Innovation: The number and quality of collaborative projects initiated within the biomakerspace center, as well as the outcomes and impact of these projects, demonstrate success. Tracking the development of innovative solutions, research publications, patents, and commercialization of products or services resulting from collaborations within the center can indicate its effectiveness as a hub for innovation

Total Budget: 25000USD

Affiliations: Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence at Covenant University (CAPIC-ACE/Covenant University)

LMIE Carveout: Yes as my team and the organization are based in a Low and Middle Income Economy country, such as Nigeria, and Cameroon specifically, and actively engaged in implementing the project in limited resources area. The Biomakerspace center primarily serves and benefits individuals, organizations, and communities within LMIEs, especially those in Ota City and neighboring areas, it can be considered a service widely adopted by communities in LMIEs.

Team Skills: The CEO in charge of administration and coordination supported by a team of executives, such as Lab space rental manager: responsible for managing the rental of lab space to biotech entrepreneurs and researchers. Who can be assisted by the Equipment use manager: responsible for managing the pay-as-you-go use of equipment by customers; Workshops and training manager: responsible for organizing and delivering workshops and training sessions; Maker: responsible for providing prototyping services to customers assisted by the computer sciences and electromechanics advisor; Consulting manager: responsible for providing consulting services to biotech entrepreneurs and researchers; Marketing and Communication Manager: responsible for partnership and looking for customers and new market, advertise the company products, propose a communication and marketing plan for the sustainability and competiveness; Logistics and technical supply chain manager: responsible for the registration each material out and in of the centre and all products produce in the centre, Preparation of the command, invoices and delivering; Community manager: in charge of social affairs and communication in the company they tailor the communication plan proposed by the marketing and communication department according to the specificities of the local communities, collect return ideas from customers; Accountant: he is responsible for the financial aspect (paying bills, salaries, any financial charges…)

Submission Number: 22