The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Communication, Innovations and Digital Economy – FMCIDE in collaboration with it’s subsidiary, Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency NITDA has announced the commencement of applications for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Application (4IRTA) Grant.
The Federal Government declared open applications for the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies (4IRTA) which is meant to optimise Nigeria’s economy. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani disclosed this in a statement on X (Twitter) explaining the objectives of the program.
According to the Minister “Our intent is to encourage and inspire the use of technology, especially Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies like UAV, IoT, AI & Blockchain, to optimise different sectors of our economy,” Tijani said.
“So, I’m pleased to announce the launch of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Application tagged 4IRTA Project”
The Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology program is one of NITDA’s Demonstration Project to support innovative ideas in Agriculture with the aim of ensuring food security in Nigeria.
The 4IRTA is a pilot program designed to run demonstration projects in UAVs, IoT, AI and Blockchain as a 4IR technologies in different sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The project targets building a prosperous Agricultural Sector economy powered by Global 4th Industrial Revolution Technology.
Benefits of 4IRTA Project
NITDA reiterated that the beneficiaries would benefit immensely from the program in the following ways:
- The Agriculture Demonstration Project allows us to identify, demonstrate and mainstream market-ready innovations that leverage 4IR technologies to enhance productivity and sustainability in the Nigerian agricultural sector.
- Selected projects will receive up to N10,000,000 in funding to deepen the application of 4IR technologies in their work.
- The Ministry of Agriculture will provide support to selected pilot farms and navigate a path to scale and sustainability.
Requirements for Eligibility
1. Project Coverage: The 10 selected projects are expected to be focused on the application of UAV, IoT, AI and Blockchain in different agricultural sub sectors e.g. crop production, fishery, livestock and forestry
2. Project Objective: Project proposals will need to demonstrate the use of 4IR Technologies to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability in Nigeria
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated to select the best based on the following criteria:
- Innovations: The project must be innovative in the use of 4IR technology to improve agricultural productivity
- Impacts: Potential to generate significant economic and social benefits for farmers
- Feasibility: Technical feasibility with a plan for scaling
- Sustainability: Clear sustainability plan for long-term success
Application Closing Date
Online submission of application ends on 11th December, 2023.
Successfully shortlisted applicants will be invited for screening by 22nd January, 2024.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications online through the NITDA 4IRTA application portal https://4irta.nitda.gov.ng/
