Enovatelab Foundation: Supporting Impact Innovators
We are on a mission to empower and support the continent’s entrepreneurship and technology ecosystem.
Founded in 2018, EnovateLab started as an innovation hub for entrepreneurs and talents building solutions to Africa’s biggest challenges by leveraging technology.
Mission
To support individuals, startups, social enterprises, technologists, government, investors and the private sector to build innovative solutions that create impact through solving social and economic challenges. We achieve this through capacity building, networking, financing and policy advocacy.
EnovateLab provides four key services:
1. A Place to Meet.
“The Lab” is a physical place where entrepreneurs and other members of the ecosystem convene, network, learn, create, and celebrate. Our space is designed to facilitate connections, collaborations and host events.
2. A Place to Learn.
We’ve designed various offerings, connecting entrepreneurs and tech talents with learning resources and mentors that will shape their future. Our signature incubator “The Forge” is a program that enable entrepreneurs to meet one-on-one with facilitators and successful entrepreneurs, individuals with deep knowledge of the ecosystem, and obtain an assessment of their business, identification of next steps on their entrepreneurial journey, and referrals to appropriate resources.
3. A Place to Tell Stories.
The “Lab” shines a light on entrepreneurs, innovators, resources, and their interactions, highlighting the narrative of Nigeria as an entrepreneurial powerhouse. We’re the embodiment of the entrepreneurial dynamism in the country and a focal point for citizens as well as those outside the country.
4. A Place to Collaborate.
Ultimately, “The Lab” inspire collaboration by convening ongoing conversations with innovators, entrepreneurs and members of the ecosystem about additional needed resources, policies or activities that would further accelerate or expand Nigeria’s social and economic prosperity. Our role is to facilitate the definition, development, piloting, and launch of new initiatives, whether by “The Lab” itself or by partners or other stakeholders.
Our Programmes
Code Pyramid
Established in 2016, Code Pyramid is a community for software developers, product designers, network engineers, AI and Data Analysts among other technology enthusiasts.
Shenovate
Shenovate aims to empower girls and women to develop digital and business skills and help them advance their growth by supporting their careers through mentorship and funding.
ClimateLab
ClimateLab is an initiative of EnovateLab with 3 key focus. Climate Innovation, Climate Adaptation and Climate Advocacy.
We are on a mission to empower and support the continent’s entrepreneurship and technology ecosystem.
About Us
Our Vision
An innovation-driven society in Africa, having a meaningful impact on people's lives.
EnovateLab is an organization which was started in 2018 as an innovation hub for entrepreneurs and talents building solutions to Africa’s biggest challenges by leveraging technology. We’ve been at the forefront of supporting the tech ecosystem across Nigeria and beyond through our various programs. We’ve worked with over 500 MSMEs and startups, 10000 tech talents and entrepreneurs, and have been active among hubs and innovation ecosystem stakeholders on the continent.
EnovateLab which is the official name of the hub within our community is simply known as the “The Lab”. “The Lab” is a place that focuses on innovation and entrepreneurial energy in Nigeria and Africa, enabling local people to start and grow new businesses that support inclusive social and economic prosperity in the continent. Ultimately, the “The Lab” is a symbol of Africa’s innovative and entrepreneurial energy, the continent’s central meeting place for new ideas, new businesses, and new innovators making a meaningful impact.
When it comes to innovation and entrepreneurship, Africa is richly endowed with great talents, entrepreneurs, investors, and world-class researchers. The continent is performing well but could do much better in terms of nurturing skills, startups and growing entrepreneurial ventures. “The Lab” seeks to support this mission by serving as a gateway to the ecosystem, accelerating new business growth, and telling the story of entrepreneurship in the Continent.
We have three operating principles that frame our design and implementation. They are:
- “The Lab” is designed for social and economic entrepreneurial support, and entrepreneurs are our primary customers. Entrepreneurs, therefore, are an essential part of the governance of “The Lab” and the effectiveness of our activities are measured principally by the results achieved by entrepreneurs.
- “The Lab” partners and collaborate with organizational anchors and all elements of the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. We’re a focal point and clearinghouse for these organizations and their activities to support young men and women, innovators and entrepreneurs, and to collaborate with them to define, develop, pilot, and launch new resources that may be needed now or in the future.
- “The Lab” embraces the diversity of Nigeria as a country and Africa as a continent, defined in geographic as well as demographic terms, and we strive to include a broad range of entrepreneurs, technologists and innovators in our network to include high-growth, high-tech, main street, youth and social entrepreneurs from throughout the continent.
Our Core Values
Openness
We Are Open-Minded
Community
We Believe in the Power of Community
Sustainability
We Champion Sustainability
Impact
We Drive Impact
Diversity
We Embrace Diversity
Excellence
We Push for Excellence
Inclusivity
We Stand for Inclusiveness
Innovation
We support Innovation
FAQs
Whether you're an entrepreneur, innovator, or simply curious about our work, these FAQs offer insight into how we support Africa's tech ecosystem and drive social and economic growth.
What is EnovateLab, and what does it do?
EnovateLab, also known as “The Lab,” is an innovation hub established in 2018 to support entrepreneurs and talents in Nigeria and Africa. We focus on enabling local people to start and grow businesses that contribute to social and economic prosperity on the continent. We offer a space for meetings, learning, storytelling, and collaboration within the tech ecosystem.
Who can benefit from the services provided by EnovateLab?
EnovateLab is designed to support a diverse range of individuals, including entrepreneurs, tech talents, innovators, and members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our services are open to anyone interested in building solutions to Africa’s challenges, whether you are a high-growth entrepreneur, a tech innovator, or a social entrepreneur.
What kind of programs and resources does EnovateLab offer?
EnovateLab offers several key services, including meeting spaces, learning programs, and collaboration opportunities. Our signature program, “The Forge,” is an incubator that connects entrepreneurs with mentors and facilitators who provide guidance, assessments, and referrals to help them advance their businesses. We also host events and provide resources for networking and skill development.
How does EnovateLab contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa?
EnovateLab plays a central role in connecting entrepreneurs with resources and support systems within the African entrepreneurial ecosystem. We collaborate with various stakeholders to define, develop, and launch initiatives that accelerate business growth and foster social and economic prosperity across the continent.
How can I get involved with EnovateLab?
You can get involved with EnovateLab by participating in our programs, attending our events, or collaborating with us on new initiatives. Whether you are an entrepreneur looking for support, an innovator with a new idea, or an organization interested in partnering with us, there are many ways to engage and contribute to our mission of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.