Renowned US TEDx Speaker and Founder of Boatly, Kate Hancock, is set to take the stage as the keynote speaker at the highly anticipated Innovation Makers Challenge (IMC) 2023 Conference. The announcement was made by the Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG) during the official IMC launch event held in the bustling city of Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
The IMC, an initiative spearheaded by TTSWG, aims to foster sustainable innovations within Nigeria’s technology and telecommunications sectors. It achieves this by providing a platform for emerging talents to showcase their innovative solutions and rewarding them for their contributions.
The IMC Conference is scheduled to be hosted at the prestigious Eko Convention Center on Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. This event promises to facilitate transformative discussions regarding the future of technology and telecommunications in Africa, all while spotlighting the emerging innovations originating from Nigeria itself. With a diverse lineup of industry leaders including Oluwole Asalu, CEO and Founder of Quomodo Systems Africa, Lanre Bamisebi, Executive Director of Access Corporation, and Chuks Ekwueme, Chairman of UNICCON Group, the conference is poised to be a melting pot of ideas and innovation.
Before the conference officially begins, there will be an Innovators Challenge, inviting individuals aged 18 to 35 from all corners of Nigeria to participate. This challenge offers aspiring innovators the opportunity to pitch their sustainable solutions and compete for a chance to present their ideas to a distinguished panel of judges during the Grand Finale Conference and Exhibition scheduled for November 9, 2023. The top three winners will be awarded substantial cash prizes of ₦2,000,000, ₦1,000,000, and ₦500,000, respectively.
The benefits for participants extend beyond financial rewards. Those who take part in the Innovators Challenge will have access to world-class expert training and mentorship through the Innovation Bootcamp. They will also have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to potential investors, network with established tech professionals, and showcase their innovations to a diverse audience at the IMC Conference 2023.
Chris Uwaje, CEO of Mobile Software Solutions and a Board Member of the Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG), underscores the significance of the IMC. He asserts, “The world is evolving rapidly, but Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind. Identifying and nurturing talent is a critical strategic imperative for the nation to compete on the global stage. We cannot fully realize the benefits unless we address the challenges within the technology sector. Through the IMC, TTSWG aims to identify disruptive ideas, discover and nurture emerging talents, and foster innovations that can reshape the existing landscape and propel the country into the future.”
Bankole Oloruntoba, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC), echoes this sentiment. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a dedicated funding pool to support emerging innovative ideas, stating, “We are committed to nurturing these young individuals from their initial stages and helping them gain global recognition. They are equipped to address tangible and functional challenges related to sustainability and environmental issues facing the telecom sector.”
For those who are interested and qualified, the application window for the IMC 2023 remains open until October 16, 2023. Individuals can submit their applications through the official website: www.ttswg-imc.com/apply. The Innovation Makers Challenge 2023 is proudly sponsored by IHS Towers and supported by various partners who share the vision of fostering innovation and sustainability in Nigeria.
The IMC launch event in Ikoyi, Lagos, brought together prominent figures from the technology and telecommunications industry, including John Isiekwene, Sustainability Manager at IHS Towers, Adedoyin Segun-Noibi, General Manager of Quomodo Systems Africa, Faderera Segun, Program and Partnership Manager at Arnergy Solar, Precious Francis, Communications and Knowledge Officer at NCIC, and Gbolahan Awonuga, Executive Secretary of ALTON. Their presence reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to supporting emerging innovators in Nigeria.
The Innovation Makers Challenge (IMC) 2023 is a beacon of hope for emerging innovators in Nigeria’s technology and telecommunications sectors. Kate Hancock’s keynote address, along with the diverse lineup of industry leaders, promises to inspire and invigorate participants and attendees alike. As Nigeria strives to keep pace with rapid global technological advancements, the IMC stands as a testament to the nation’s determination to nurture innovation and sustainability. It offers a unique opportunity for dreamers and innovators to turn their ideas into reality and contribute to the nation’s technological progress.
