About
About Us
From Research to Real-World Impact
Obichi PitchLab is the first pan-African platform focused on transforming academic research into thriving enterprises, a platform designed to help final-year students and recent graduates transform their academic research projects into ventures that create real social and economic value.
For too long, brilliant ideas have remained trapped in lecture halls and libraries. PitchLab exists to bridge the gap between academia and entrepreneurship—showing young innovators how their knowledge can solve problems, create businesses, and shape the future.
Our Model
Through an intensive 2-month fellowship, we select outstanding students and graduates across Africa to become Obichi Scholars. During this period, they:
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Receive a Catalyst Grant ($200–$400 depending on degree level).
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Access over $5,000 worth of structured support (mentorship, prototyping, IP, publication, business registration, commercialization training).
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Refine their ideas with the help of mentors, experts, and peers.
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Showcase their ventures at a high-profile Pitch Day.
Graduates earn the lifelong distinction of being both Obichi Scholars and PitchLab Fellows, joining a continental network of innovators shaping Africa’s future
What We Offer
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Innovation & Commercialization Training – tools to move from idea to market.
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Catalyst Grant – financial support to fuel early-stage ventures.
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Global Mentorship & Networks – access to investors, researchers, and ecosystem leaders.
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Certification – awarded by the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja.
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Visibility & Recognition – scholars are spotlighted continent-wide through social media, media features, and Demo Day.
Our Goal in Three Years
At Obichi PitchLab, we believe that research can become a powerful engine for Africa’s growth. Within the next three years, we aim to:
Young Innovators Coached
PitchLab Fellows
Startups
Our Vision
To build a generation of young African innovators who see research not just as knowledge, but as a tool for entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and impact.
Our Mission
To equip final-year students and recent graduates with the skills, mentorship, and resources to transform their academic research into impactful ventures—bridging the gap between knowledge and enterprise through structured training, catalytic funding, and a supportive innovation ecosystem.
Our Story
Founded by Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa, a physician, public health professional, innovation strategist, and ecosystem builder. Obichi PitchLab reflects a bold vision: to raise a generation of Africans who can identify unmet needs and create value at scale.
For over a decade, Dr. Obichi has worked across the continent at the intersection of academia, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He pioneered initiatives such as:
* The Young Innovation Leaders (YIL) Fellowship, which has trained young professionals across more than 25 African countries to lead innovation in their fields.
* The Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative with Nigeria’s TETFund, which helps academics transform their research into practical solutions with commercialization potential.
* Consulting engagements with WIPO, the African Union, the United Nations, and other partners, where he has contributed to shaping policy and building structures for intellectual property, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Africa.
Through these experiences, one truth became clear: Africa has no shortage of brilliant research ideas. However, without structured support, mentorship, and commercialization pathways, most of them fail to move beyond graduation.
Obichi PitchLab was birthed to change that narrative by equipping young innovators with the tools, networks, and resources they need to commercialize ideas, build startups, and inspire lasting impact.
A Message from the Founder
When I look across Africa, I see brilliant minds, groundbreaking research, and untapped potential. Yet too often, these ideas remain on paper—never reaching the people and communities who need them most.
I created Obichi PitchLab to change that. This programme is more than training; it is a movement to raise a new generation of Africans who can spot unmet needs and boldly create value through innovation and entrepreneurship.
My vision is simple: to empower young people to transform their research into real-world solutions that solve problems, create jobs, and inspire others. With mentorship, catalytic support, and the right skills, I believe our graduates will not just dream of change—they will drive it.
– Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa
Founder, Obichi PitchLab
Our Organizers and Partners
Obichi PitchLab is proudly organized by:
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Hutzpa Center for Innovation & Development – a continental hub for research commercialization, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
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African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja – certification partner, ensuring academic legitimacy and recognition.
Together, we combine academic rigor, entrepreneurial energy, and pan-African networks to power Africa’s next generation of founders.