Empowering Independence Through AI at Nile University of Nigeria

At Nile University of Nigeria, innovation meets purpose as students push the boundaries of technology to create solutions that address real-world challenges. Peace Audu-Ukpoju, a recent alumna from the Faculty of Engineering, led a team in developing NeurosyncBCI, an AI-driven brain-computer interface (BCI) project designed to improve the lives of individuals with motor disabilities. Supported by Nile University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub, the project recently earned top honors as the best project in the Faculty of Engineering. In this interview, Peace shares insights into NeurosyncBCI’s development, the role of Nile University in fostering entrepreneurial thinking, and her team’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in tech.

NeurosyncBCI: An Imagined Speech EEG-Based BCI Using AI

Team Members:

What inspired you to create NeurosyncBCI, and how did Nile University of Nigeria support your journey?

Our assistive healthcare technology project, NeurosyncBCI, enhances the lives of individuals with motor disabilities by enabling them to communicate and interact with their environment through brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. Thanks to the invaluable support from Nile University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub, we had the opportunity to showcase our project at the final year project fair, where NeurosyncBCI emerged as the best project in the Faculty of Engineering. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub provided us with the resources, mentorship, and platform to refine our innovation, and their guidance helped us integrate cutting-edge AI and real-time communication technology into our product.

Nile University’s nurturing environment was crucial in helping us reach this milestone, and we’re proud to have been part of a program that fosters diversity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

How does NeurosyncBCI stand out as a groundbreaking entrepreneurial project?

NeurosyncBCI is an innovative healthcare solution designed to transform the way individuals with motor disabilities interact with their environment. As a groundbreaking assistive technology, it harnesses brain-computer interface (BCI) to empower users by enhancing mobility and communication. By bridging the gap between human intent and technological action, NeurosyncBCI fosters independence and enriches lives, positioning itself as a game-changer in the assistive technology market. This entrepreneurial venture not only addresses a critical need but also opens new possibilities for inclusive living and community engagement.

What innovative AI technologies were integrated into NeurosyncBCI?

In our project, we made a significant breakthrough in the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) field by enabling real-time communication between a headset and a robotic device. We achieved this through the use of WebSockets, which allow for low-latency, bi-directional communication between the brain-sensing headset and a wheeled robot.
Additionally, we integrated AI to analyze and learn from the EEG signals generated by the brain. Our machine learning model was trained to recognize these signals with an accuracy rate of 98%, allowing for highly precise interpretation of brain activity and more intuitive robotic control.

How does your team’s diversity contribute to the project’s success and impact?

Our team consists of four members—two men and two women—each bringing essential skills and unique perspectives to the project. This diversity in viewpoints and experiences not only strengthens our approach to problem-solving but also helps us come up with more innovative solutions and a better understanding of market needs.
As a woman-led team, we’re particularly passionate about inspiring other women to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. We want to show that success in tech and innovation is attainable for everyone, and we hope our journey helps foster a more inclusive environment within the industry.

The NeurosyncBCI project exemplifies Nile University of Nigeria’s commitment to empowering students to create impactful solutions through entrepreneurship and innovation. Under the guidance of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub, Peace Audu-Ukpoju and her team harnessed cutting-edge AI and real-time technology to build an assistive tool with the potential to transform lives. Their project stands as a testament to the transformative power of diversity, resilience, and creativity in Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs.