Innovation is becoming one of the world's most valuable exports, and Nigerians are increasingly earning global recognition by building businesses that compete far beyond the country's borders. Among them is Damilare Bakare, a Nigerian entrepreneur and technology strategist whose work in Canada is strengthening technology and commercial ties between Africa and North America.
Bakare's company, X-Innovations, received Alberta's Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) Export Plan of the Year 2025 Award, presented on January 29, 2026. The award recognised the company's commercialisation strategy for a dual-use artificial intelligence wearable technology developed for the health and fitness sector.
The honour highlights the growing competitiveness of African-founded technology companies in international markets. Although Nigeria will not feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigerians are making meaningful contributions to industries shaping the future of sport, healthcare and technology.
Bakare studied at Covenant University, an award winning university based in Ota Ogun State, before relocating to Canada, where he earned a Master's degree in Technology and Innovation Management at Carleton University. He credits God for the recognition and describes it as the result of years of disciplined work.
His time in Canada's innovation ecosystem, particularly with York Angels Investors, inspired a broader ambition: not simply to build another technology company, but to connect entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and institutions across borders. That vision became X-Innovations.
Founded as a marketing and product development business, the company has grown into an innovation platform focused on artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment readiness, startup advisory, ecosystem development, international trade, community engagement and Startup Visa services. It is expanding partnerships between Nigeria and Canada while developing relationships across the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and other emerging technology hubs.
Bakare believes Africa's greatest competitive advantage lies in its people. That conviction is reflected in the company's flagship AI-powered wearable technology, which provides real-time data to support injury prevention, recovery monitoring and performance optimisation, with applications extending beyond elite sport into healthcare.
As sport increasingly embraces data-driven performance, demand for intelligent wearable technology is growing, particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The project also aligns with the vision of Canada's first Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, who has encouraged Canadian AI companies to translate research into commercially successful products. Judges cited both the technology and X-Innovations' export readiness in selecting the company for the award.
Bakare has also focused on building innovation communities. Through Fusion Forum, launched during Techstars Edmonton Startup Week, he brings together entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation. The forum has become a meeting point where founders build partnerships, attract investment and explore new international markets.
"The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity. This means connecting ecosystems, industries and people," Bakare said, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration among government, academia, businesses and communities.
Away from business, Bakare has built a diverse profile across sport and the creative industries. He holds a 5-1 boxing record, including a knockout victory inside the opening 30 seconds, and trains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton. He has also trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym that produced heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. He is progressing through the ranks at the Ging Wu Martial Arts Association and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charitable initiatives for children battling cancer.
His creative work has followed a similarly broad path. As a photographer, published visual artist and cultural curator, Bakare photographed Afrobeats star Davido during a major Afrofestive event in Canada in 2025 that attracted thousands of attendees. He has also appeared alongside NHL star Connor McDavid in an All-Star commercial production and with country music artist Dallas Smith in the feature film Souls Road.
Bakare has collaborated with his younger brother, Lagos-based musician Ayokunle Bakare, professionally known as Ayrestored, whose forthcoming album, Restored, is in development. Their projects include Trionda, inspired by the Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Match Ball, and COYG, an Arsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork.
With the award now behind it, X-Innovations is focused on expanding international partnerships, attracting foreign direct investment and advancing cross-border commercialisation, with Nigeria remaining central to its long-term plans. For Bakare, the objective extends beyond building a successful company. He sees greater value in creating pathways through which founders, researchers, investors and institutions can work across borders, turning ideas into businesses and partnerships that deliver lasting economic impact.
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