The Federal Government, yesterday, announced plans to establish technology incubation centres in the six geo-political zones.

Minister of  lnnovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, spoke at the opening of the first Southwest Zonal National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) expo, entitled: “Elevating Nigeria’s Research and   Output through Technology Incubation Programme” in Lagos.

It drew attendance from representatives of Southwest governments, commissioners for trade and investment, among others.

Uche, who was represented by Technical Adviser on Programmes, Prof. Nnayelngo lke-Muonso, explained that the mindset of the ministry was to actualise the Technology Incubation Programme as a ground-breaker.

In her remarks, Director General, National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Dr. Patricia Chukwu, said establishment of more facilities nationwide would promote the nation’s entrepreneurs.

She assured that the agency would collaborate with state governments to create jobs and grow the economy.

She stated that the Technology lncubation Programme (TIP) of the Federal Government was to foster growth of knowledge-based entrepreneurs in the realm of new technology-based enterprises, including start-ups and fledgling ventures.

South-West Zonal Director of NBTI, Dr. Julie Momah, said the expo was a platform to show brilliance, creative thinking and innovative solutions.