Renowned US TEDx Speaker and Founder of Boatly, Kate Hancock, is poised to headline the upcoming Innovation Makers Challenge (IMC) 2023 Conference as the keynote speaker. This exciting revelation was recently announced by the Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG) during the official IMC launch event held in the vibrant city of Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
The IMC, a flagship initiative of TTSWG, is dedicated to propelling sustainable innovations within Nigeria’s burgeoning technology and telecommunications sectors. Its overarching mission is to offer a platform for emerging talents to showcase their inventive solutions while rewarding them for their contributions.
Scheduled to take place at the prestigious Eko Convention Center on Victoria Island, Lagos, the IMC Conference promises to serve as a crucible of transformative discussions about the future of technology and telecommunications in Africa. Furthermore, it aims to shine a spotlight on the burgeoning innovations emanating from Nigeria, a country with untapped potential. With an illustrious 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 commences, the spotlight will be on the Innovators Challenge, an invitation extended to individuals aged 18 to 35 from across Nigeria. This challenge affords aspiring innovators the opportunity to present their sustainable solutions and vie for the chance to impress a distinguished panel of judges during the Grand Finale Conference and Exhibition scheduled for November 9, 2023. The top three winners will be rewarded with substantial cash prizes of ₦2,000,000, ₦1,000,000, and ₦500,000, respectively.
The rewards do not stop at monetary gain. Participants in the Innovators Challenge will gain access to world-class expert training and mentorship through the Innovation Bootcamp, providing them with the necessary tools to embark on a successful journey. Additionally, they will have the unique opportunity to pitch their ideas to potential investors, forge connections with established tech professionals, and showcase their innovations to a diverse audience at the IMC Conference 2023.
Photo Credited to Empowering Emerging Innovators
Chris Uwaje, CEO of Mobile Software Solutions and a Board Member of the Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG), underscores the IMC’s significance in the context of Nigeria’s technological development. He emphasizes, “The world is evolving at breakneck speed, but Nigeria must not be left in the dust. Identifying and nurturing talent is an indispensable strategic tool for any nation aiming for global competitiveness. We can only fully realize the benefits by addressing the challenges within the technology sector. Through the IMC, TTSWG aspires to unearth disruptive ideas, nurture emerging talents, and foster innovations that can reshape the current landscape, steering the nation towards a brighter future.”
Bankole Oloruntoba, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC), echoes this sentiment. He underscores the importance of establishing a dedicated funding pool to support emerging innovative ideas, stating, “Our mission is to guide these young individuals from their initial stages of development to gain global recognition. They are well-equipped to tackle tangible and functional challenges related to sustainability and environmental issues plaguing the telecom sector.”
For individuals who are eager and qualified to partake in this transformative journey, the application window for the IMC 2023 remains open until October 16, 2023. Interested parties 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, attracted a constellation of prominent figures from the technology and telecommunications industry. Among them were 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 underscores the industry’s unwavering commitment to supporting emerging innovators in Nigeria.
The Innovation Makers Challenge (IMC) 2023 is a beacon of hope for emerging innovators within Nigeria’s technology and telecommunications sectors. Kate Hancock’s anticipated keynote address, coupled with the stellar lineup of industry leaders, promises to inspire and invigorate participants and attendees alike. As Nigeria endeavors to keep pace with the 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 advancement.
