Restricted Circulation  ·  Kryterion Defence Futures Lab  ·  Defence Futures Lab — 90-Day Diagnostic Workshop
Post-Roundtable Phase  ·  90-Day Diagnostic

From Dialogue
to Execution.

The Kryterion Defence Roundtable has concluded. The Minister has spoken. The next 90 days are about building — not discussing. Join the diagnostic workshop bringing together defence-aligned startups, investors, and diplomatic actors to shape Nigeria's defence innovation pipeline.

Apply to Participate Learn More
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"Defence must not stand outside the innovation economy. Defence must help shape it. We must move from technology consumption to technology creation — ensuring innovation serves as a practical pathway for national security."

General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), OFR  ·  Honourable Minister of Defence, Nigeria  ·  Omniverse Africa Summit 3.0

Context & Mandate

What Just Happened.
What Comes Next.

At Omniverse Africa Summit 3.0, the Honourable Minister of Defence formally launched the Kryterion Defence Roundtable and Defence Futures Lab Pathway. The Roundtable united defence doctrine institutions, the private technology sector, academia, venture actors, and diplomatic partners around a single question: how does Nigeria move from consuming technology to creating it in service of national security?

The Minister's mandate is clear: convene again in 90 days. The Defence Futures Lab will now run a structured diagnostic process — and you are invited to be part of it.

🎯
Priority Challenge Statements
The diagnostic will identify the real, non-classified capability gaps where private-sector solutions can create meaningful impact for Nigeria's defence modernisation agenda.
🔗
Partner Pathways
Structured pathways linking startups and technology firms directly to defence stakeholders, doctrine institutions, and international partner networks.
🧪
Pilot Lane Design
Selected participants will co-design non-classified pilot concepts alongside defence focal persons — moving from concept to actionable pilot memo within the 90-day window.
🌍
International Connectors
Engagement with UNIDIR Geneva, Embassy of Finland, Embassy of Canada and peer innovation ecosystems that participated in the Roundtable and have committed to follow-on pathways.
90-Day Diagnostic Process

A Practical Sequence.
Not Another Conference.

Kryterion serves as convener, strategic moderator, and pathway secretariat. Every phase has a defined output — and your participation shapes it.

01
Weeks 1–2  ·  Intake
Expression of Interest & Fit Assessment
Participants complete a structured expression of interest. Kryterion conducts a short fit assessment to confirm alignment with programme objectives and security protocol requirements.
02
Weeks 3–5  ·  Diagnostic
Challenge Mapping & Focal Group Formation
Confirmed participants engage in facilitated challenge mapping sessions. Focal groups form around the four strategic pathways: 4IR readiness, responsible AI, quantum/cyber, and doctrine-to-pilot execution.
03
Weeks 6–10  ·  Development
Partner Pathways & Pilot Design
Bilateral strategy sessions pair selected partners with relevant defence stakeholders and international pathway actors. Early pilot concepts are scoped and documented in non-classified memos.
04
Week 12  ·  Reconvening
Defence Futures Lab Reconvening Workshop
The 90-day diagnostic concludes with a closed reconvening session — mandated by the Minister — where focal groups present challenge statements, confirmed pilot pathways, and next-phase recommendations.
Participation Tracks

Who This Is For.

This is not a general open call. Participation is curated for fit, protocol, and genuine contribution to Nigeria's defence innovation agenda.

Track A
Defence-Aligned Startups & Technology Firms
  • Cybersecurity and secure communications
  • AI, analytics and decision-support systems
  • Dual-use and defence-adjacent hardware/software
  • Digital infrastructure and data platforms
  • Systems integration and engineering firms
Track B
Investors & Institutional Partners
  • Venture and growth-stage investors with defence interest
  • Development finance institutions
  • Foundations supporting responsible tech and capacity-building
  • Research institutes and universities
  • Professional services: strategy, legal, diligence
Track C
Diplomatic & International Pathway Actors
  • Embassies and high commissions with innovation mandates
  • Multilateral organisations (UN system, ECOWAS, AU bodies)
  • International research and fellowship funders
  • Trade and economic promotion bodies
  • Defence attachés and security-sector advisors
International Collaboration

Active International Pathways.

These pathways support Nigerian priorities under Nigerian leadership. Engagement from international partners who attended the Roundtable continues into the 90-day diagnostic phase.

🇫🇮
Finland Pathway
Quantum computing, post-quantum readiness, and future capability awareness. Research, education and fellowship links via IQM, Bluefors, VTT and InstituteQ ecosystem actors.
🇨🇦
Canada Pathway
Innovation programming, cyber/AI ecosystem links, and accelerator pathways. Potential startup soft-landing and dual-use innovation bridge.
🇺🇳
UNIDIR / Geneva Pathway
Responsible AI governance, legitimacy, and ethics dialogue. Potential Lagos-to-Geneva follow-on track supporting human-centred, policy-aware AI adoption.
🇩🇪
Germany Pathway
Industrial capability and engineering excellence links. Connections to German defence-adjacent innovation and dual-use research ecosystems.
🇸🇪
Sweden Pathway
Security sector reform and responsible technology engagement. Links to Swedish defence research and innovation institutions.
🇩🇰
Denmark Pathway
Cyber resilience, green defence technology, and Nordic innovation ecosystem connections. Engagement through the Embassy of Denmark in Nigeria.
Participation Structure

How to Engage.

Participation levels are tailored to the type and depth of contribution your organisation can make. Final scope is confirmed case-by-case following the fit assessment.

Diagnostic & Pilot Partner
₦10M indicative
  • Access to 90-day diagnostic sessions
  • Focal group participation by challenge area
  • Challenge mapping and pilot design memos
  • Post-event diagnostic debrief
  • Best for: analytics, software, consulting and systems-integration firms
Express Interest
Recommended
Workstream Partner
₦25M indicative
  • Alignment to one strategic lane
  • Recognition on workstream note or clinic
  • Curated contribution to technical exchange
  • Bilateral strategy session access
  • Post-diagnostic debrief included
Express Interest
Research & Fellowship Partner
₦12M indicative
  • Supports officer and research pathways
  • Exchange discussions and post-event concept work
  • Selective bilateral access
  • Post-event debrief included
  • Best for: universities, foundations, public innovation bodies
Express Interest

Packages may be structured as fee-based, co-funded or partly in-kind arrangements where appropriate and subject to alignment. All engagements are non-classified and subject to confidentiality, participant approval, and programme fit.

Expression of Interest

Apply to Participate.

Complete this form to begin the fit assessment process. Kryterion will review all expressions of interest and contact qualified applicants within 5 working days. Participation is curated — not all applications will proceed.

This form is for initial fit assessment only and does not constitute a formal commitment. All information is treated as confidential. Kryterion will not share your details with third parties without your consent. Final participation is subject to programme fit, protocol parameters, and availability.

Expression of Interest Received.

Thank you. Kryterion will review your submission and contact you within 5 working days to discuss strategic fit and next steps.