Board Member, TTSWG, Chris Uwaje, at a press conference, said the pivotal initiative, is aimed at fostering innovation among young talents in Nigeria’s technology and telecommunications sectors, which would feature a talent discovery competition and an intensive boot camp, which will culminate in a high-profile exhibition and conference, in Lagos.
He said Nigeria is rich in talent and needed more support, encouragement and development to flourish and become major contributors to the nation’s economic growth.
However, he said the country has often celebrated ideas that have no significant impact on national development.
According to him, the IMC is designed to celebrate and empower young creatives in the technology space, who can make a positive difference.
He said the young innovators aged 18 to 35 are invited to participate in the innovators’ challenge, by showcasing their original technology-driven ideas and products.
He said that from the entries received, 20 finalists would be invited to participate in the innovators’ boot camp, where they would get guidance, mentorship and feedback from experts with a proven track record in the technology and telecommunications industry to improve their ideas.
He added that afterwards, the outstanding participants would have the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges at the innovators’ conference for cash prizes.
“Discovery of talent is a part of the strategic tool fit competing for a great nation. We can not have benefits unless we surmount the challenge within the realm of technology. We must intensify our STEM produce. They are the pillars and components we need,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC), Bankole Oloruntoba, said the major challenge is the early stage of ideas and innovation is resource management.
He said getting an early stage financing pool was the way to go to address financial challenges.
“When we find innovation and ideas, nobody would want to bear the cost of building the person at the early stage. Who will bear the cost? If we can get an early stage financing pool that cuts across. It will help innovation hubs handpick new ideas or innovators that they find in ridiculous places,” he said.
