The Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG) recently convened a broad spectrum of policymakers, industry CEOs, investors, and young innovators to drive sustainable innovation in Nigeria. The second edition of the Innovation Makers Challenge (IMC) Conference & Innovation Exhibition 2.0 took place in Lagos, under the theme: “Nurturing Innovation Ecosystems: Beyond Ideas to Real Impact.” The conference aimed to create opportunities for young innovators to leverage their creativity to solve real-life problems.
This year’s conference expanded its scope to five critical areas driving Nigeria’s sustainable development: health, agriculture, education, climate change, and technology. The first edition focused on two sectors, but the TTSWG recognized the need to broaden its focus to achieve greater impact. The conference featured a top-five live pitch session with all-female early-stage innovators, showcasing their innovative solutions in various sectors.
The pitch session featured QiqiFarms, Elcornel Business Enterprises Limited, Anatsor Limited, Agrovesto, and Blue Sands STEM Labs. The three winners received a combined N9.5 million seed fund to support their growth. Agrovesto received N6 million, Blue Sands STEM Labs received N2 million, and QiqiFarms received N1 million. The fund aims to support the growth of these innovative startups.
Dapo Otunla, Senior Vice President & Chief Corporate Services Officer at IHS Nigeria, emphasized that the IMC Conference & Innovation Exhibition was a platform for closing the gap between infrastructure and imagination. He highlighted the importance of education in empowering entrepreneurs to build stronger businesses and create value that extends beyond themselves.
Bankole Oloruntoba, Lead Consultant at the TTSWG Secretariat, emphasized that the broader vision of the Innovation Makers Challenge Conference & Exhibition 2.0 was to deepen support for sustainability in the technology and telecommunication sector. He noted that the sector cannot attain sustainability with just technology alone and that other essential components are necessary.
The conference also featured product exhibitions, panel discussions, fireside chats, and networking sessions connecting young innovators with investors and industry leaders. These sessions provided opportunities for innovators to scale their solutions from idea to market. The TTSWG expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Communications Commission, IHS Nigeria, and other partners for their support.
The Innovation Makers Challenge Conference & Exhibition 2.0 was a successful event that brought together stakeholders to drive sustainable innovation in Nigeria. The conference provided a platform for young innovators to showcase their solutions and receive support to grow their businesses. The TTSWG aims to continue supporting innovation and creating opportunities for young innovators to make a positive impact.
Key points
- The TTSWG expanded its focus to five critical sectors: health, agriculture, education, climate change, and technology.
- The conference featured a top-five live pitch session with all-female early-stage innovators.
- The winners of the pitch session received a combined N9.5 million seed fund to support their growth.
