AUB iPark and AXON have launched GRID 01, a cross-border collaboration aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The partnership provides a soft-landing route for founders entering the market, offering local connections and support to operate, test, and grow.
The model is designed to be practical, with AXON providing on-the-ground support and AUB iPark bringing its venture-building programs and international ecosystem. This collaboration enables participating ventures to tap into local mentorship, market-entry support, and introductions to potential customers and corporate partners.
GRID 01 launches with entrepreneurs supported through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Entrepreneurship Fund at AUB. Ventures from across Africa and Lebanon are taking part in the Lagos activation, which includes market-entry sessions, advisory clinics, and introductions to Nigerian investors and ecosystem partners.
Founders will engage directly with Nigerian investors, operators, mentors, and corporate leaders through various activities around GITEX Nigeria 2026. They are starting with entrepreneurs on the ground instead of launching the partnership with a standalone announcement.
The objective is to turn exposure into useful market intelligence, relationships, and opportunities. By building a practical bridge, entrepreneurs can access markets, networks, and opportunities beyond their home ecosystems.
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AUB iPark and AXON are developing GRID as a platform to support entrepreneurs moving into African markets and from African markets outward. The collaboration combines AUB iPark’s venture-building capabilities and international network with AXON’s local market knowledge and relationships in Nigeria, creating new pathways between Africa, the Middle East, and other global innovation ecosystems.
Over time, the platform is intended to create new pathways between Africa, the Middle East, and other global innovation ecosystems. They will develop the partnership through execution, starting with founders, learning from the market, and expanding where there is demonstrated success.
GRID 01 is the starting point for this broader cross-border model, and the collaboration officially kicks off at GRID 01 Lagos on September 1. The gathering is designed as a working room, where founders meet people who can open markets, investors see ventures entering new territory, and ecosystem partners explore where they can contribute.
GRID 01 will be followed by continued founder engagements and AUB iPark and AXON’s presence at GITEX Nigeria, extending the conversations from the launch into the future. As the partnership grows, it is expected to support entrepreneurs in accessing new markets and opportunities.
The launch of GRID 01 marks an important step in supporting entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond. By providing a soft-landing route and access to local connections and support, AUB iPark and AXON are helping to create a more favorable environment for startups to grow and thrive.
