The Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG) has expanded its Innovation Makers Challenge (IMC) Conference and Innovation Exhibition to five critical sectors in Nigeria. The sectors include health, agriculture, education, climate change, and technology. This expansion was announced at the second edition of the IMC Conference and Innovation Exhibition 2.0, held in Lagos. The event was sponsored by IHS Nigeria and themed "Nurturing Innovation Ecosystems: Beyond Ideas to Real Impact." Stakeholders in Nigeria's technology and telecommunications ecosystem emphasized the need for stronger support for sustainable innovation.
The second edition of the IMC Conference and Innovation Exhibition built on the inaugural conference, which focused on two sectors. The event brought together policymakers, technology and telecommunications executives, investors, development partners, financial institutions, young innovators, and other stakeholders. They discussed ways to strengthen Nigeria's innovation ecosystem. A highlight of the event was a live pitch competition involving five all-female early-stage innovators. The innovators presented their ideas, and the top three winners received a combined N9.5 million in seed funding.
Agrovesto emerged as the overall winner, receiving N6 million in seed funding. Blue Sands STEM Labs and QiqiFarms received N2 million and N1 million, respectively, as first and second runners-up. The Innovation Makers Challenge aims to help young innovators develop solutions that address real-life challenges. The initiative provides access to education and relevant knowledge, critical to building stronger businesses and creating employment opportunities.
According to Dapo Otunla, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer of IHS Nigeria, the initiative bridges the gap between infrastructure and imagination, as well as between connectivity and capability. Otunla emphasized that education is a powerful form of economic empowerment. He stated that when entrepreneurs are equipped with the right knowledge, they build stronger businesses.
Bankole Oloruntoba, Lead Consultant at the TTSWG Secretariat, explained that the expansion to five sectors reflects the need for a broader approach to sustainability. Oloruntoba stressed that technology alone cannot guarantee sustainability; other critical areas of development must be integrated. He noted that the IMC provides young innovators with opportunities to connect, develop their ideas, and inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs.
The conference included various activities, such as product exhibitions, panel discussions, a fireside chat, and networking sessions. These activities aimed to connect innovators with investors and industry leaders. Oloruntoba commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), IHS Nigeria, and other partners for supporting the initiative. The partners include MTN, Airtel, Co-Creation Hub, Hydrogen, Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre, and Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC).
The TTSWG's expansion of the Innovation Makers Challenge to five critical sectors demonstrates its commitment to fostering sustainable innovation in Nigeria. The initiative has provided a platform for young innovators to showcase their ideas and receive funding. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration and support for sustainable innovation in driving economic growth and development in Nigeria.
Key points
- The Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG) has expanded its Innovation Makers Challenge to five critical sectors in Nigeria.
- The second edition of the IMC Conference and Innovation Exhibition provided a combined N9.5 million in seed funding to the top three winners.
- The initiative aims to bridge the gap between infrastructure and imagination, as well as between connectivity and capability, in Nigeria's innovation ecosystem.
