Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

JOTech Aerohub is a physical fab lab for students, researchers and enthusiasts interested in building drone-related solutions. The hub also will host training sessions and outreaches to secondary schools in Nigeria providing STEM clubs and trainings.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

JOTech Aerohub is a physical fab lab for students, researchers and enthusiasts who are interested in building drone-related solutions. The Aerohub gives them access to machines and equipment, prototyping materials, and tech support, based on their membership. Beyond the physical space and equipment, Aerohub will also offer educational programs to equip members with necessary skills and knowledge. The hub also will organise various training sessions and outreaches to secondary schools within Nigeria providing STEM education clubs, seminars and competitions in robotics, AI, and drone technology.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Aerohub addresses the challenges faced by drone enthusiasts, researchers, and budding entrepreneurs in Akure, Nigeria, and surrounding areas. These individuals often lack dedicated workspaces equipped for drone prototyping, collaboration, and learning. Aerohub intends to bridge this gap by establishing a collaborative hub with facilities and resources specifically catering to their needs. This collaborative environment will foster innovation, knowledge sharing, and the development of creative drone applications. Additionally, Aerohub plans to offer educational programs and, in the future, act as a one-stop shop for drone kit sales and maintenance services, further empowering the local drone community.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

1. Collaborative Workspace and Facilities: Aerohub provides a dedicated space equipped for drone prototyping, fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing among its members. This eliminates the limitations of individual workspaces and allows for greater innovation and efficiency in drone development projects. 2. Learning and Development Programs: Aerohub plans to offer educational programs on drone technology, equipping members with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate, maintain, and potentially develop new drone applications. This educational focus empowers the drone community and fosters a pipeline of skilled individuals for the future of the drone industry. 3. Drone component retail: Aerohub's vision includes becoming a comprehensive resource center for the drone community. By retailing drone kits and offering maintenance services, Aerohub aims to streamline the process for acquiring and maintaining drones, saving its members time and effort.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Aerohub targets a specific group of individuals within the drone community in Akure, Nigeria, and surrounding cities: Drone Enthusiasts: Hobbyists and recreational drone flyers who are passionate about learning more about drone technology, participating in builds, and pushing the boundaries of creative drone applications. Researchers: Individuals engaged in academic research projects or independent drone technology exploration. Aerohub can provide them with a collaborative space, resources, and potentially connect them with other researchers for knowledge sharing and project development. Budding Entrepreneurs: Aspiring startup founders or entrepreneurs with drone-based business ideas. Aerohub can provide them with a supportive network, resources for prototyping, and potentially educational programs to refine their business concepts.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-04-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

3

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

One of the partners is an experienced UI/UX designer with years of experience in product design and user experience management. She also is a co-founder of another thriving business and has experience with business start-up and growth. Another partner is a mechatronics engineer with a unique skillset that includes business administration, financial management and writing. She has experience working as a virtual assistant for many top individuals in tech. The third partner is a computer science graduate who specialises in database management and administration. He also has experience in data entry, research, and writing.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

By offering educational programs on drone technology, Aerohub can equip individuals with valuable skills and knowledge in a growing field. This can improve their employability or entrepreneurial prospects

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Aerohub's educational programs and focus on budding entrepreneurs will empower individuals to develop their skills and potentially create new drone-based businesses and employment opportunities.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Aerohub will foster innovation in the drone industry by providing a collaborative workspace and potentially connecting researchers and entrepreneurs. This will lead to the development of novel drone applications that address various challenges

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

3

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

3

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

5

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

2

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

3

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

5

05.08 Justification

While there are co-working spaces and drone clubs around the Nigeria, Aerohub's specific combination of features targeted towards a local community in Nigeria creates a unique approach. Aerohub focuses on a local drone community, catering to the specific needs of students, researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs in Akure and surrounding cities. This local focus tailors resources and programs to address their challenges and opportunities. Aerohub also provides a combination of workspace, education, and drone component sales under one roof. While Aerohub builds upon existing concepts, the combination of features and its local focus make it somewhat innovative.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Akure Tech Hub, focuses on providing a workspace for researchers and entrepreneurs, without specialised equipment or training sessions. Kadosh mechatronics provides equipment as well as a workspace but have a stronger focus on mechatronics, electrical and mechanical projects and limited focus on training and makerspace programs. There are various tech hubs in Lagos and Abuja, which are bigger and more developed cities, but they present the problem of not being easily accessible to researchers and entrepreneurs in Akure and nearby cities

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?