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About

Driven by innovation, leadership, and impact, I am committed to empowering individuals, transforming ideas into ventures, and shaping Africa’s future.

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My Story

I am Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa, an innovation consultant, public health strategist, and leadership mentor dedicated to transforming ideas into impactful solutions. My mission is to empower individuals and organizations to lead with courage, innovate with purpose, and create sustainable change. Through my work in innovation, AI governance, and leadership development, I have mentored young professionals, guided businesses, and shaped policies that drive Africa’s growth. As the founder of the YIL Fellowship and executive director of Hutzpa Innovations, I am committed to building a future where bold ideas, ethical leadership, and strategic innovation redefine possibilities and create lasting impact.

Background & Education

Early Life and Educational Journey

Born and raised in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, I developed a deep curiosity for problem-solving and a passion for making a meaningful impact from an early age. This drive led me to pursue a career that blends science, innovation, and leadership. My academic journey was shaped by a strong commitment to learning and a desire to contribute to transformative change in Africa and beyond.

Key Academic Achievements

I earned my medical degree from Abia State University in 2010, equipping me with a strong foundation in healthcare and public service. Seeking to expand my expertise in global health and policy, I pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, graduating in 2015. This program deepened my understanding of public health innovation and strategic interventions. Furthering my passion for innovation and leadership, I obtained an MBA with a focus on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Venture Creation from George Washington University in 2017 as an exchange student. This experience sharpened my ability to translate ideas into sustainable enterprises.

Notable Scholarships and Fellowships

My educational journey has been supported by prestigious scholarships and fellowships that recognize leadership potential and commitment to impact. I was awarded the Pears Scholarship for Global Health Leadership, which enabled me to pursue my MPH at Hebrew University. Additionally, I have participated in various international fellowships and professional programs that have expanded my expertise in innovation, technology policy, and venture creation. These experiences have shaped my approach to leadership, enabling me to train and mentor emerging innovators across Africa.

Professional Achievements & Leadership

Executive Director of Hutzpa Innovations

As the Executive Director of Hutzpa Innovations, I lead a consulting firm dedicated to enabling bold, transformative innovation across Africa. Hutzpa specializes in Innovation & Venture Creation, AI & Data Governance, Public Health Innovation, Research Commercialization, and Process Optimization. Under my leadership, Hutzpa has trained organizations, collaborated with global partners, and designed groundbreaking programs that shape the future of work, healthcare, and business.

    Contributions to the Innovation Ecosystem and Youth Development

    I am deeply committed to building Africa’s innovation ecosystem and empowering young professionals to transform ideas into impactful solutions. Through my leadership and program design, I have developed initiatives that foster innovation, research commercialization, intellectual property protection, and entrepreneurship, ensuring Africa’s next generation is equipped to drive sustainable development.

    Innovation and Research Commercialization

    • Research Commercialization and Acceleration Program (RECAP) – RECAP is a structured initiative designed to bridge the gap between research and market-ready products. By providing mentorship, funding strategies, and commercialization frameworks, RECAP helps African researchers translate their findings into viable businesses and impactful innovations.

    • Research for Impact (R4I) – As the designer of the R4I program for TETFund, I developed this initiative to turn academic research into real-world solutions. R4I equips researchers with the skills to refine their innovations for scalability and societal impact, fostering a research culture that prioritizes implementation and relevance.

    • Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (I-FAIR) – As a pioneer program manager for I-FAIR, I played a key role in launching this Israeli-Nigerian initiative, which supports inventors and researchers in developing prototypes and scaling their ideas into functional products. This program accelerates Nigeria’s hardware innovation ecosystem by providing technical support, mentorship, and funding access.

    • IP Skill Acquisition, Learning, and Youth Entrepreneurship (IP SALAYE) – As the national consultant for IP SALAYE, a WIPO-led program I designed, I have worked to educate and support African entrepreneurs and researchers in protecting and commercializing their intellectual property. This initiative strengthens Africa’s IP landscape, ensuring innovators maximize the benefits of their creativity and inventions.

    Youth Development and Entrepreneurship

    • Obichi PitchLab – As the founder of Obichi PitchLab, I created this platform to help young entrepreneurs refine their pitching skills, develop investor-ready business models, and secure funding for their ventures. The program equips participants with essential storytelling techniques and strategic frameworks to communicate their ideas effectively.

    • I established the Young Innovation Leaders (YIL) Fellowship to nurture a new generation of African leaders equipped with the mindset and skills to drive innovation. The fellowship has empowered professionals from 30 African countries, providing hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world problem-solving experiences. By fostering creativity and leadership, YIL has become a launchpad for young talents transforming industries across the continent.

    • Job Club – This AI-enabled EdTech platform helps university graduates and underemployed professionals prepare for the job market, navigate workplace etiquette, and build essential career skills. Through job readiness training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, Job Club increases employability and connects talent with industry opportunities.

    Through these programs and initiatives, I continue to drive a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment in Africa, ensuring that young professionals and researchers are equipped to lead and create solutions that shape the future.

    Contributions to AI Governance and Ethical AI

    I have been at the forefront of shaping responsible AI policies and governance frameworks in Africa, ensuring that AI systems are ethical, inclusive, and contextually relevant. As a contributor to the African Union (AU) AI Continental Strategy Roadmap and Whitepaper, I played a critical role in defining Africa’s strategic direction for AI adoption, focusing on ethical considerations, governance, and sustainable development.

    In my role as the National Team Lead for the Google Amplify Project in Nigeria, I led efforts to enhance the fairness, safety, and inclusivity of generative AI models. Amplify, a global initiative in partnership with MakerContributions to Public Health
    ere University, Uganda, aims to build expert communities—particularly in the Global South—to provide critical feedback on AI models. My leadership involved recruiting 40 experts from across Nigeria in key domains, including Health, Government, Education, Law, Religion, and Finance, to assess AI-generated content, identify biases, and improve model fairness. Under my coordination, the Nigerian team generated and annotated over 1,800 queries, contributing valuable datasets to enhance AI safety, explainability, and cultural relevance.

    As the founder of Responsible AI Nigeria (RAIN), I continue to drive conversations and initiatives that ensure AI is developed and deployed responsibly. Through RAIN, I engage with policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to establish best practices for AI ethics, governance, and risk mitigation, making AI work for Africa’s diverse and evolving needs.

    Public Health Contributions

    My work in public health spans teaching, research, innovation, and digital health solutions, focusing on improving healthcare access, mental health, and AI-driven diagnostics. With over a decade of experience, I have contributed to shaping public health policies, healthcare innovations, and capacity-building initiatives across Africa.

    Academic and Research Contributions

    • Public Health Lecturer, Gregory University Uturu – As a lecturer at the medical college, I train future healthcare professionals in public health principles, epidemiology, health policy, and global health innovation. My teaching integrates cutting-edge research and practical applications to equip students with the skills needed to tackle Africa’s pressing health challenges.

    • AI in Medical Diagnostics – I am actively involved in AI-driven research for improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. Through EpochZero, I lead efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into radiological imaging and disease detection, ensuring healthcare professionals can leverage AI for faster and more precise diagnoses.

    Health Innovation and Digital Health

    • Founder, Theragist – I founded Theragist, a mental health and wellness startup dedicated to providing digital therapy, mental health education, and AI-driven counseling services. Theragist enhances access to mental health support, breaking barriers of stigma and affordability through technology-driven solutions.

    • Lead Researcher, VR Storytelling for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – My ongoing research explores the efficacy of VR storytelling in managing anxiety disorders. This pioneering study examines how immersive virtual experiences can help individuals cope with anxiety, paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches.

    Public Health Advocacy and Capacity Building

    • Health Policy and Governance – I have contributed to policy discussions on AI governance in healthcare, advocating for responsible AI integration into public health systems to improve efficiency, equity, and accessibility.

    • Training and Capacity Development – Through my various initiatives, I have trained healthcare professionals, researchers, and innovators on topics such as public health leadership, digital health, and AI in medicine, ensuring the next generation is equipped to harness technology for better healthcare outcomes.

    My contributions in public health are driven by a passion for leveraging technology, education, and innovation to build resilient healthcare systems that address Africa’s unique challenges and improve lives at scale.

    Values & Vision

    Core Values Driving My Work

    Innovation with Purpose – I believe in harnessing cutting-edge technology and novel solutions to solve real-world problems, particularly in healthcare, education, and AI governance.

    Empowerment & Inclusion – I am committed to nurturing young professionals, fostering inclusive leadership, and ensuring equitable access to opportunities across Africa.

    Integrity & Excellence – My work is guided by the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and impact-driven execution.

    Sustainability & Growth – I strive for long-term impact, ensuring that the solutions I create are scalable, adaptable, and sustainable.

    Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing – I believe in building strong partnerships, sharing knowledge, and co-creating solutions that transform industries and communities.

    My Vision for Innovation & Leadership in Africa

    I envision a continent where bold ideas, transformative technologies, and empowered leaders drive sustainable development. Through my work in innovation, AI governance, public health, and capacity-building, I aim to:

    • Build an ecosystem where African researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals can commercialize ideas, scale innovations, and create global impact.
    • Champion responsible AI and emerging technologies to ensure they are ethically developed, contextually relevant, and beneficial to African societies.
    • Empower millions of young Africans through training, mentorship, and leadership development, equipping them with the skills and mindset to lead innovation across industries.
    • Foster collaborations between academia, industry, and policy institutions, ensuring that Africa’s innovation landscape is strategic, evidence-driven, and globally competitive.

    Through my initiatives, startups, and thought leadership, I am committed to reshaping Africa’s future—one breakthrough at a time.

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