
University of Port Harcourt Hosts 1-Day Training Workshop on Research Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems
The University of Port Harcourt has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering research-driven innovation and industry collaboration through a successful 1-Day Training Workshop on Enhancing Research Entrepreneurship, Innovation Ecosystems, and University-Industry Partnerships for Sustainable Development. The workshop, organized by the University’s Research and Development Ecosystem and sponsored by the Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health & Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), was designed to equip stakeholders with the skills and strategies needed to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application.
Building a Thriving Research and Innovation Ecosystem
The ACE IMPACT Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening higher education institutions across sub-Saharan Africa, served as the backdrop for this high-impact event. As part of this initiative, ACE-PUTOR at the University of Port Harcourt plays a pivotal role in promoting interdisciplinary postgraduate programs and fostering a dynamic research culture.
The workshop underscored the importance of research and development (R&D) in driving sustainable economic growth. It emphasized that achieving this goal requires a robust innovation ecosystem that supports research commercialization, entrepreneurship, and strategic university-industry collaborations.
Workshop Highlights and Key Discussions
Participants engaged in intensive discussions and hands-on sessions aimed at strengthening research entrepreneurship and innovation management. Key topics covered included:
- Fostering Research Entrepreneurship – Empowering researchers and academics to translate research findings into viable entrepreneurial ventures.
- Strengthening Innovation Ecosystems – Identifying the key components of a thriving research and innovation ecosystem within the University of Port Harcourt.
- Enhancing University-Industry Partnerships – Exploring strategies for building sustainable collaborations with industries to facilitate research commercialization and socio-economic development.
Distinguished Resource Persons and University Leadership
The event featured a lineup of distinguished speakers and experts who shared valuable insights, including:
- Prof. C. Ofurum – Topic: Building Research Entrepreneurs in the University
- Prof. J. Ajienka – Topic: Building an Effective University Innovation Ecosystem
- Dr. O. Obiajunwa – Topic: Developing Effective University-Industry Partnerships for Sustainable Innovation & Development
The workshop was hosted under the leadership of:
- Chief Host: Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill (Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt)
- Host: Prof. Iyeopu Siminialayi (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research & Development, University of Port Harcourt)
Key Takeaways and Expected Impact
The University of Port Harcourt continues to position itself as a hub for research excellence and innovation. The workshop provided participants with actionable strategies to:
- Leverage research entrepreneurship for sustainable development.
- Strengthen internal collaboration within the University’s R&D ecosystem.
- Develop meaningful partnerships between academia and industry.
- Foster innovation-driven economic growth in Nigeria and beyond.
The event was a resounding success, reinforcing the University’s role in advancing knowledge-driven entrepreneurship and contributing to Nigeria’s innovation landscape. For more updates on research initiatives and future training programs, visit www.aceputoruniport.edu.ng




