Innovation Support Network (ISN)
Setting the National Standard for Innovation Excellence
A structured, data-driven system to assess the maturity, credibility, and impact of Innovation Support Organisations (ISOs) in Nigeria.
Why Certification Matters
This framework responds to the challenges of fragmentation and uneven quality across the Nigerian innovation ecosystem. By establishing unified benchmarks, we empower organisations to move from basic operations to national leadership.
Key Objectives
Set Clear Standards
Defining operational and governance benchmarks nationwide.
Enhance Trust
Building verifiable confidence among founders, funders, and government.
Guide Funding
Providing donors with reliable data to target resource allocation.
Encourage Excellence
Creating a clear pathway for continuous organisational improvement.
The Certification Tiers
Our model balances inclusivity for emerging hubs with the rigor required for established leaders. Organizations are classified into three distinct tiers based on their audit performance.
Tier
Focus
Key Requirements
Foundational
Entry-Level Recognition
≥ 1 year operation; 50+ participants served annually.
Standard
Intermediate Reliability
≥ 3 years operation; 100+ participants served annually.
Advanced
Excellence & Leadership
≥ 5 years operation; 200+ participants served annually.
Interim Certificate
Organizations that meet basic criteria but fall below the Foundational threshold (scoring 50-59%) may be eligible for a 2-year Interim Certificate to support their transition.
The Audit Process
The certification is based on a transparent, multi-faceted audit methodology
1
Document Review
Assessing legal status, financial health, and internal policies.
2
Facility Observation
Evaluating physical infrastructure and workspace functionality.
3
Stakeholder Interviews
Gathering qualitative insights from leadership, staff, and alumni.
4
Impact Validation
Cross-checking reported outcomes with external data and ecosystem presence.
Core Assessment Domains
Organizations are scored across three primary categories
Core
Leadership, Innovation Culture, Infrastructure, and M&E.
Core
Leadership, Innovation Culture, Infrastructure, and M&E.
Core
Leadership, Innovation Culture, Infrastructure, and M&E.
Strategic Partnerships
The ISO Framework is deeply integrated with Nigeria’s national development goals and primary regulatory bodies
NITDA
National Information Technology Development Agency
Assessing digital maturity and service delivery.
SMEDAN
Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria
Validating entrepreneurship and MSME outcomes.
NOTAP
National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion
Evaluating technology transfer and intellectual property processes.
NBTI
National Board for Technology Incubation
Benchmarking enterprise incubation and sustainability.
Ready to Lead?
PILOT PHASE STARTING SOON
Join the pioneering cohort of hubs setting the standard for innovation excellence in Nigeria. Early participants will shape the future of the certification framework.