General Electric (GE) has created a space where basic ideas can be transformed into reality by manufacturing a normal innovative idea with high tech hardware such as CNC mills, laser cutter, 3D printers, injection moulders, Arduino kits and much more, turning it to a creative invention that has major business potentials.
Since the launch of its Lagos Garage in November 2016, GE has been able to train and establish 95 young entrepreneurs who come with their innovative ideas, and the training helps them to fine tune their ideas, manufacture a prototype and kick start business.
Speaking during a media tour of the Garage in Lagos, Patricia Obozuwa, Director, Communications and Public Affairs, GE Africa said that the GE Lagos Garage initiative was created to build Nigerian knowledge and capability which will ultimately lead to the creation of more businesses and jobs.
Obozuwa expressed the belief that the GE Lagos Garage program will create new innovators who will lead and drive Nigeria’s manufacturing sector in the near future.
According to her, the Garage trains on technology, advanced development and entrepreneurial skills. “There is a mentoring network after the students graduate from this place and we make sure that we open up avenues for every graduating student to meet with potential investors,” Obozuwa told BusinessDay.
On partnerships with government and other organisations, Obozuwa said; “We are currently partnering with the Tony Elumelu foundation and are offering one class every year to the foundation.”
Also speaking at the tour, Segun Obagbemi, Head, Communications and Public Affairs, GE West Africa, said; “the Commissioner for wealth creation has expressed interest and we are in talks with the government and other organisations to expand capacity because we sure would love to train more people and create more opportunities for people to meet face to face with potential investors.”
Obagbemi said that so far, the graduates have been able to secure up to a million dollars in funding for projects developed in the Lagos Garage.
The program which graduated its third batch of students on Friday June 23, exposes participants to world class instructors and technical experts who not only guide and mentor them, but support on developing their business ideas.
The new graduates, who joined the program in the first week of June, following a rigorous selection process, received four weeks of training on advanced manufacturing technology and business development. Participants learnt how to design and create products which will help position them as vital players in the advanced manufacturing and innovation ecosystem.
The program provided participants the opportunity to directly interact with the latest manufacturing technologies, including 3D printers and laser cutters that enable innovation through rapid prototyping.
Tochukwu Chukwueke, one of the pioneer innovators of the program came up with the popular ’toochi’ device, invented to improve the reading culture in Africa and improve student’s academic performance with the world’s simplest and most portable reading stand.
Angola Badaru who was in the December 2016 class, was able to 3D print a car air conditioner blower as is looking to start his car part business soon.
With 3D, you are able to print products much faster and cheaper that what is currently available in the market.
GE created the Garages experience in March 2012 to reinvigorate America’s interest in invention, innovation, and manufacturing. In 2014, Garages went global with its first international exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria.
Given the success of the 2014 pilot program, GE launched the permanent installation of The Lagos Garage in November 2016, in alignment with the Federal Government’s focus on driving localisation and job creation.
Jumoke Akiyode
