Nigerian entrepreneurs were called upon to inspire the next generation of innovators during the second edition of the Innovation Makers Challenge (IMC) Conference & Innovation Exhibition 2.0, which focused on bridging gaps in technology and sustainability. The event, organized by the Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG), brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and young innovators to discuss strategies for fostering sustainable technological advancement. Bankole Oloruntoba, lead consultant at the TTSWG Secretariat, emphasized that inspiring future innovators is a critical milestone in building a robust innovation ecosystem. "This conference aims to deepen conversations on driving sustainable innovation across the country," he stated during the event, which was themed "Nurturing Innovation Ecosystems: Beyond Ideas to Real Impact."
Oloruntoba highlighted the expansion of the IMC’s scope, noting that the second edition now covers five sectors—health, agriculture, education, climate change, and technology—compared to the initial focus on two sectors. Dapo Otunla, senior vice president and chief corporate services officer at IHS Nigeria, underscored the conference’s role in closing the gap between infrastructure and imagination. "The conference provides a platform to connect young innovators with opportunities to leverage their creativity and solve real-world problems," he said. Otunla also stressed the importance of education in empowering entrepreneurs, stating that knowledge equips them to build resilient businesses, create jobs, and make informed decisions that drive economic growth.
The event featured a top-five live pitch session showcasing early-stage innovators, including all-female-led startups such as QiqiFarms, Elcornel Business Enterprises Limited, Anatsor Limited, Agrovesto, and Blue Sands STEM Labs. Agrovesto emerged as the winner, receiving N6 million in seed funding, while Blue Sands STEM Labs and QiqiFarms secured N2 million and N1 million, respectively. These awards aim to support the development of scalable solutions in agriculture, education, and climate resilience. The conference also emphasized the need to translate ideas into actionable strategies, with Otunla noting that "the intersection of infrastructure and imagination is where the Innovation Makers Challenge lives."
The IMC 2.0 underscores the growing importance of innovation ecosystems in Nigeria’s technological and economic landscape. By fostering collaboration between entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, the event highlights the potential for technology to address pressing challenges in sectors like agriculture and education. The seed funding provided to the winning startups reflects a broader commitment to nurturing homegrown solutions that align with national sustainability goals. As the TTSWG continues to expand its initiatives, the conference serves as a critical platform for bridging the gap between innovation and impact, ensuring that technological progress benefits a wider segment of society.
Seyi John Salau is a BusinessDay Correspondent with interest in development journalism, which tells stories that connect the people, brands, and the government. SeyiJohn is also a media professional with BSc, Mass Communition (ACU); Masters of School Media (MSM, Ibadan) & MSc, Mass Communication (Caleb).
Why Chika Idu’s solo exhibition is a must-see ‘The Trials of Brother Jero – The Opera’, returns to National Theatre LIMCAF and the long game of investing in young artists.