Co-Founders
Leadership & Vision Behind NestX
NestX blends hands-on manufacturing innovation with secure digital infrastructure — so our solutions are built locally, connected intelligently, and trusted in real-world deployment. We don’t just build products; we build the skills and systems that keep them running.
Chiabi Franka Tohnain
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Chia Jessibel Nanain
Co-Founder | Digital Infrastructure & Training Systems Lead
Shared Vision: Build • Connect • Secure • Train
NestX exists to make advanced engineering usable at the local level. That takes more than great hardware. It requires reliable systems, secure learning environments, and structured training that helps people maintain what they build.
Build
Circular manufacturing and smart agritech solutions designed for real environments.
Connect
Networked labs, device connectivity, and practical systems that scale responsibly.
Secure
Security fundamentals that protect users, devices, and operations from avoidable risk.
Train
Hands-on learning that turns curiosity into capability — and capability into impact.
Engineering for Impact
Chiabi Franka Tohnain is a Cameroonian Electrical and Electronic Engineer, technology entrepreneur, and sustainability advocate. His work is defined by a commitment to circular manufacturing, digital fabrication, and smart agricultural systems.
As Co-Founder of NestX, Franka bridges academic excellence with real-world utility. Under his leadership, NestX has evolved into a premier makerspace and innovation hub in Bamenda, where the next generation of African engineers design and build localized solutions for global challenges.
Beyond building products, he champions the full loop: from material recovery and fabrication to deployment in the field — ensuring solutions remain affordable, maintainable, and effective over time.
"Sustainable progress is achieved when young people are equipped with practical skills, access to tools, and true ownership of technology."
Technical Profile
The Digital Backbone Behind Practical Innovation
Chia Jessibel Nanain is a Computer Engineer with a strong background in Networking and Cybersecurity. At NestX, her work connects directly to the mission: ensuring that our labs, learning environments, and connected systems are reliable, scalable, and safe.
She helps translate innovation into real deployment by strengthening the digital layer around it — from network-ready training labs to security fundamentals that protect devices and operations. This is especially critical as makerspaces adopt smart devices, IoT prototypes, and data-driven systems in agriculture and manufacturing.
As a Networking Instructor and Network Engineering Intern, she has trained learners through practical labs, supported real-world network operations, and contributed to technical projects from design to troubleshooting.
"When people learn by building, they gain confidence—and that’s how true innovation becomes sustainable."
Technical Profile
Professional Milestones
NestX | Engineering Innovation Hub
Directing a youth-led team in building locally engineered solutions. Successfully deployed 12+ smart poultry incubators and recycled 17kg+ of plastic into manufacturing feedstock.
Remote Infrastructure Monitoring
Developed an Arduino-based embedded system for real-time monitoring of radio transmission sites, optimizing signal reliability and battery bank maintenance.
Circular Manufacturing Foundation
Designed and fabricated a specialized recycling machine that converts plastic bottle waste into professional-grade 3D printer filament.
Civilsalt & NestX | Practical Networking Training
Delivered hands-on training in routing, switching, and basic network security through simplified explanations and practical lab sessions.
TELNET Cameroon | Enterprise Networking
Assisted in configuring and maintaining network infrastructure, and supported troubleshooting of network faults in enterprise environments.
MPLS VPN & VoIP Implementations
Designed and simulated an MPLS VPN network for secure multi-site communication and implemented VoIP network concepts including call routing and QoS for reliable voice over IP.
Core Competencies
A multidisciplinary approach to African industrial development—engineering, fabrication, networks, security, and training.