Nigeria and Africa in general suffer from a paucity of science laboratories. According to the President of the Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria, Prof Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, Africa has less than nine per cent of the global market share of the laboratory business.
For a continent that is both consumer-focused while trying to ramp up its production capacity as well as deepen its STEM capacity, this scantiness of laboratories would hardly do any good to its growth and development. But an Anambra-based startup, Foris Labs is trying to improve that deficit with its virtual laboratory solution for students.
Founded by John Onuigbo, Foris Labs says it gives students the superpowers to transform any space into a science laboratory via its gamified 3D virtual science laboratory that provides a realistic simulation of hands-on science experiments. From Physics laboratories to Chemistry and Biology, the startup guarantees that through their smartphones, anyone can carry a laboratory in their pockets.
“At Foris Labs, we are revolutionising science education through technology, making learning more accessible and engaging for students in Africa. The technology simulates real-life science laboratory environment enabling students to conduct science experiments either as individuals or in groups via mobile devices or desktops.
The startup’s solutions are currently being deployed in schools across Anambra State for their Beta testing phase having successfully conducted close user group testing with secondary school students.
Foris Labs sponsored by Gov Soludo to TC Startup Battlefield
Foris Labs was one of 7 Nigerian startups selected for the 2023 Techcrunch Startup Battlefield 200. Upon its selection, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, undertook to sponsor the startup to the global pitch event which took place in Silicon Valley, California, USA.
According to the governor, this sponsorship is a further demonstration of his support for startups as well as for building the innovation ecosystem and enabling environment required for startups to thrive in the State. The governor also said his administration is deliberate about building the Solution Innovation District which will become the Silicon Valley of Africa and bring about the emergence of startups, digital tribes, and smart SMEs like Foris Labs.
Foris Labs Founder, John Onuigbo, expressed his appreciation to Governor Soludo for his commitment to encouraging and fostering growth and innovation in the Anambra tech sector.
“It is heartening to witness Mr. Governor’s dedication to fostering innovation and nurturing the growth of Anambra’s thriving tech ecosystem. His commitment to propelling local talent onto the global stage is truly commendable. Representing Anambra at the TC Startup Battlefield has been an exceptional experience, and it’s evidence of the incredible strides we are making in the world of technology and innovation…I am inspired by the opportunities that Anambra State is creating for young entrepreneurs and innovators, and I look forward to contributing further to this collective success,” he said.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Chinwe Okoli noted that the governor’s sponsorship of the Foris Labs Team further demonstrates his commitment to fostering technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the State through the Solution Innovation District.
“In Anambra, we are inspiring new ideas, incubating startups, grooming the digital tribe, and creating the enabling startup law for a comprehensive innovation ecosystem so that the people of Anambra State can compete globally and create jobs locally. By sponsoring this promising startup-Foris Labs, Mr Governor contributes to the broader advancement of science education in Nigeria and beyond and has also given hope to startup builders in the State, thus inspiring the emergence of new ideas,” she said.
Foris Labs was also the first runner-up of the Second Edition of the Zenith Tech Fair. The startup won N15 million and a mentorship programme with Seedstars for its efforts at the fair.
See also: 7 Nigerian startups selected for TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200, class of 2023