Plateau State is moving closer to launching a major innovation hub being developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as the state government intensifies efforts to position Plateau as one of Nigeria’s emerging centres for technology, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang disclosed that the innovation hub, located at Plateau Polytechnic, is nearing completion and will soon begin operations as a centre for innovation, research, enterprise development and startup support.
The governor made the announcement during the inaugural Plateau State Science, Technology and Innovation Festival (PLASSTIFEST) held in Jos, where government officials, investors, researchers, entrepreneurs and technology stakeholders gathered to discuss the future of innovation-driven development in Plateau State and Nigeria.
According to Mutfwang, the innovation hub forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to unlock the economic potential of Plateau through technology, digital innovation and youth-driven enterprise.
He said the facility is expected to provide a platform for young innovators, researchers and startups to develop solutions, collaborate with partners and access opportunities capable of transforming ideas into sustainable businesses.
“We have exceptionally talented people here in Plateau. There is no reason we cannot develop world-class solutions and products right here at home. What our innovators need is the right support and opportunities,” the governor said.
The planned launch of the innovation hub represents one of the strongest signals yet that Plateau State is seeking to build a structured innovation ecosystem capable of attracting investment and supporting local entrepreneurs beyond the early startup stage.
The collaboration with UNDP is also expected to strengthen the credibility of the initiative, particularly at a time when many subnational governments across Nigeria are exploring ways to create technology-driven economies outside Lagos and Abuja.
Governor Mutfwang said his administration is committed to supporting innovators and technology-focused businesses through policy support, infrastructure and funding initiatives.
He revealed that the state government plans to provide financial support to startups through a supplementary budget, a move expected to encourage more participation in innovation and enterprise development within the state.
The governor challenged young innovators to focus on practical solutions capable of addressing societal and economic problems while creating jobs and improving productivity.
He assured participants that the government would continue investing in programmes and initiatives that promote technological advancement, entrepreneurship and innovation-led growth.
The announcement also aligns with the Federal Government’s growing emphasis on innovation and technology as tools for economic diversification and national development.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, who spoke during the event, said Nigeria must move beyond research and focus more on commercialising ideas capable of driving economic growth.
According to him, innovation must produce practical outcomes that benefit society, create employment opportunities and attract investment.
“Research alone is not enough. We must ensure that our discoveries and innovations are translated into commercial ventures that can benefit society and contribute to economic development. Platforms like this provide opportunities for innovators to engage with investors and access the support needed to scale their ideas,” Udeh said.
The minister described PLASSTIFEST as an important step toward promoting innovation and positioning Plateau State as a growing destination for business, technology and creative enterprise.
He added that stronger collaboration between government institutions, academic researchers, private sector players and innovators would be necessary to achieve sustainable economic growth in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
Industry stakeholders at the event also highlighted funding limitations as one of the biggest challenges facing startups and innovators across the country.
The Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) said Nigeria already has a large pool of talented young people capable of driving technological transformation in different sectors.
However, he noted that limited access to funding and support systems continues to prevent many innovative ideas from becoming successful businesses.
“Nigeria has no shortage of brilliant minds. The real challenge is providing the financial resources and support systems required to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures,” he said.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation described the innovation festival as part of the government’s wider plan to build a strong innovation ecosystem capable of supporting economic growth and sustainable development.
According to the commissioner, the state government remains focused on creating opportunities for innovators while promoting science and technology as major drivers of development.
The innovation hub project is expected to become one of the central pillars of that strategy once operational.
With the facility nearing completion, expectations are growing that the hub could help nurture a new generation of startups, technology founders and innovators from Plateau State while strengthening collaboration between government institutions, investors, development organisations and the private sector.
The festival, themed “Reimagining Plateau: Driving Innovation and Technology for a Smarter and Sustainable Future,” also served as a platform for innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase solutions addressing real-world problems across different sectors.
Organisers said the event was designed to encourage innovation-driven development, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and inspire more young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
For Plateau State, the planned launch of the UNDP-backed innovation hub signals a growing ambition to become a recognised player in Nigeria’s evolving startup and technology ecosystem.
