Research and Development, a Pathway to Innovation and Global Sustainability
Context & Origin
Human progress has always depended on the exchange of ideas. Since the earliest scholarly societies of the 17th century, to the modern research laboratory, each generation has benefited when knowledge moved freely across borders and disciplines. Importantly, progress has often depended on the free flow of ideas, the disciplined testing of knowledge, and the steady refinement of tools. But globally there are still barriers that prevent capable researchers from contributing fully, especially in emerging economies.
STEID's Research and Development Initiative (RDI) stands in that tradition. Founded by engineers, scientists, and educators who recognized that promising insights often emerge far from the world's best-equipped laboratories. The RDI seeks to provide an environment where rigorous thinking, practical engineering, and responsible innovation can flourish wherever talent is found.
Bridging the barriers to Innovation
In many West African universities as in other regions worldwide graduates brimming with original concepts face limited access to advanced facilities, up-to-date software, or senior guidance. As a result, ambitious projects frequently stall on personal laptops instead of advancing toward prototypes or peer-reviewed publications. When rigorous thinking meets experienced mentorship and dependable resources, those same concepts can progress from "what if" to "what works." The RDI assembles promising talent, fosters inclusive collaboration, and offers a connected workspace that overcomes geographical barriers
Our Rational
We believe great ideas can come from anywhere and that every curious mind deserves the chance to shape tomorrow's breakthroughs. The RDI seeks to unite students and early-career professionals across disciplines with mentors and resources across projects enabling them to contribute meaningfully to emerging innovation. We are building a team and community with values that combine rigorous engineering with creative exploration and we are open to collaborators to help shape this vision.
Our mission is to build sustainable research ecosystems, especially in those regions traditionally excluded from global innovation networks. We aim to empower young and emerging talents to develop rigorous, hands-on solutions to pressing global challenges.
As engineers, scientists and educators, we are convinced that small acts of collaboration can ignite meaningful outcomes, and we share the conviction that innovation follows wherever talent receives consistent support.
Founding Team & Crew
Alyssa Miller (Co-founder STEID), Courage Lahban (Founder), Fasseu A.S Sieyondji, Jordan Loic Fono
Get Involved
We are looking for collaborators and are accepting submissions and applications from mentors and Prospective fellows. Please Reach out and tell us how you would like to contribute or be involved.
I am a: Mentor, Collaborator, Prospective Fellow