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Advancing Research for Sustainable Development

RIKESD is a leading research institute dedicated to generating knowledge, fostering innovation, and building partnerships that drive sustainable development across Africa and beyond.

Our Core Focus Areas

We drive impact through strategic research, collaborative partnerships, and innovative solutions that address the most pressing challenges of our time.

Strategic Research

Conducting cutting-edge research that addresses real-world challenges and drives sustainable development.

Collaborative Networks

Building partnerships with institutions, governments, and communities to amplify research impact.

Innovation Excellence

Fostering innovation through interdisciplinary approaches and emerging technology integration.

Our Mission

To advance knowledge and foster sustainable development through innovative research, strategic partnerships, and evidence-based solutions that address critical challenges facing communities across Africa and the global South.

Our Vision

To be a leading research institute that transforms communities through knowledge creation, innovation, and sustainable development practices that create lasting positive impact.

A Lifetime of Impact
Starts Here

Whether you just have a research idea, are developing a prototype, or already have an innovation with early adoption, we can help. Since 2015, our highly-structured programs have given researchers clarity on their next steps, critical feedback on their innovations, and a global network to support their growth.

Explore Our Programs
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Our Research Pathways

We provide structured support at every stage of the research and innovation journey

RIKESD Core Program

It all starts with our renowned Core Program, which guides researchers at the idea and pre-development stages to reach the milestones needed for funding and sustained growth.

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Innovation Lab

After completing the Core Program, researchers get access to a series of additional resources and advisory programs to guide them towards their next major innovation milestones.

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Enterprise Network

When ready, researchers get featured at events and connected to a diverse pool of investors and industry partners actively participating in funding and commercialization opportunities.

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Our Project Portfolio

Discover the diverse range of initiatives under RIKESD, each operating in different ecosystems to create meaningful impact across various sectors.

Skillnovate
Education

Skillnovate

An upskilling and reskilling platform designed for professionals seeking career growth through both online and physical training sessions.

Key Features:

  • Online and physical training sessions
  • Administrative and technical courses
  • Career advancement programs
  • Professional certification
KEIA
Incubation

KEIA

Knowledge Enterprise for Incubation and Acceleration supports startups with promising products through structured programs.

Key Features:

  • Structured incubation programs
  • Product refinement guidance
  • Investor connections
  • Marketplace access
Rike Marketplace
Knowledge

Rike Marketplace

A Knowledge-as-a-Service platform for buying and selling research outputs, partnered with AroFarmer Initiative.

Key Features:

  • Research output marketplace
  • Knowledge-as-a-Service platform
  • Partnership integrations
  • Research commercialization
AroFarmer
Agriculture

AroFarmer

A tech-driven urban agriculture platform transforming underutilized urban spaces into productive micro-farms.

Key Features:

  • Urban space transformation
  • Landowner-grower matching
  • Income generation for space owners
  • Community-driven farming
Patch Africa
Environment

Patch Africa

Pan-African Circular Hotspot promoting carbon emission reduction and access to carbon credits through green initiatives.

Key Features:

  • Waste for Meal Program
  • Campus Free Waste Initiative
  • Carbon credit access
  • University collaborations

The Global RIKESD Ecosystem

Our mission is to empower talented and motivated people to build solutions that matter, no matter their location, gender, or race. This mission requires a strong global community of researchers, ecosystem leaders, advisors, and investors... and we have built just that.

Building Research

Supporting innovative research projects that address real-world challenges.

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Building Ecosystems

Accelerator to empower leaders to build strong research ecosystems.

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Building Enterprise

Turning research into impactful enterprises and sustainable solutions.

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What Our Community Says

Hear from researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators who have transformed their ideas into impact through RIKESD.

Dr. Amina Hassan
"RIKESD's Core Program transformed my research approach. The structured guidance and global network opened doors I never imagined possible."

Dr. Amina Hassan

Research Director, Lagos University

Emmanuel Okafor
"Through KEIA, I refined my product and connected with investors. Today, my startup serves over 10,000 users across West Africa."

Emmanuel Okafor

Tech Entrepreneur, KEIA Graduate

Sarah Adebayo
"AroFarmer helped me transform my rooftop into a thriving micro-farm. I now earn sustainable income while feeding my community."

Sarah Adebayo

Urban Farmer, AroFarmer Community

Prof. Michael Chukwu
"Patch Africa's initiatives align perfectly with our sustainability goals. The Campus Free Waste program has been transformational."

Prof. Michael Chukwu

Environmental Scientist

Join a Free Research Event

We exist to help researchers and innovators, so we run nearly 100 free events per year where you can meet local experts, network with investors, learn from advisors, and connect with collaborators. Our flagship S2B (School to Business) sessions happen every first Saturday of the month, bridging the gap between academic research and business applications.

RIKESD event

100% free events to get direction for your research

Featured

S2B#43: AroFarmer Project BetaDay - Stakeholder Engagement

Jul 5, 2025
09:30am WAT
View details →

S2B Monthly Session - School to Business

First Saturday Monthly
09:30am WAT
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Scaling Research Through Partnerships in Nigeria

Jul 12, 2025
05:00pm WAT
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RIKESD Online Information Session

Various Times
Various Times
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Researcher Networking: Find a Collaboration Partner

Jul 19, 2025
01:00pm WAT
View details →

Why Choose RIKESD

We provide comprehensive support to researchers and innovators at every stage of their journey.

Knowledge Resources

Access to cutting-edge research, methodologies, and best practices in your field.

Funding Opportunities

Connect with investors and funding sources specifically interested in research-based innovations.

Expert Community

Join a network of researchers, innovators, and industry experts to collaborate and share insights.

Global Recognition

Showcase your work on an international platform and gain visibility for your innovations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about RIKESD programs and opportunities.

Have questions about research, innovation, or development?

Our team is available 24/7 to assist you with any inquiries related to our programs, partnerships, or how you can get involved.

Our Location

123 Logan Street, Abuja, Nigeria

Phone

+2348066301780, +2347065174560

Email

contact@rikesd.org

Let's Chat!

Get instant answers to your questions. Chat with our team on WhatsApp for quick support and information about our programs.

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