National Innovation Agency seeks financial partners to boost start-up ecosystem

By Rukaiya Riza 

• Calls for Expressions of Interest 

The National Innovation Agency (NIA) is creating opportunities for partnerships with banks, venture capitalists, financial institutions and other qualified entities, to fuel the next era of innovation in the country. 

These partnerships will focus on the co-development, scaling and commercialisation of innovative solutions that demonstrate high socioeconomic impact and align with the national development priorities, the NIA said in a notice this week. 

The key objectives of the partnership include facilitating access to financial instruments for start-ups and innovation-driven enterprises, co-designing and supporting funding mechanisms (including grants, equity and blended finance models), promoting commercialisation pathways for high-impact innovations and strengthening innovation financing networks across sectors and regions. 

The interested parties are requested to present Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions, detailing their institutional profile and experience in innovation or start-up financing, potential areas of contribution and collaboration, strategic interest in partnering with the NIA and any relevant case studies or success stories (optional) on or before July 21, 2025.  

The NIA stressed that the submissions may not mean automatic selection, as partners would be selected on a strategic basis.