The Innovate Pitch and Grant competition, hosted by Crosspoint Church, celebrated its second edition by awarding a total of $3,000 in grants to promising Nigerian entrepreneurs.
The competition highlighted emerging business innovations that promise to transform communities and industries across the country.
The event, held in Lagos on April 27, 2024, drew significant attention, featuring a diverse turnout of industry experts, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts.
The event, which was themed “Inspiring leadership, transforming the future” also featured transformational lectures, panel discussions and a career recruitment session for job seekers.
The finalists, selected from a vast pool of applicants, presented their innovative solutions in front of a live audience and a panel of esteemed judges.
OneGrid Energies, an innovative startup transforming waste plastic bottles into low-cost rechargeable lanterns, clinched the top prize of $2,000.
This award-winning venture addresses multiple issues simultaneously—pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and poverty—especially in rural areas.
Following closely, Post Paddy, a tool leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline social media management for small businesses, secured the second prize of $1,000, allowing smaller companies to save on costs associated with social media staffing.
The convener of the event, Ladi Soyombo, said the event is not just a competition but a catalyst for change that empowers our youth and transforms our future through innovative leadership.
He expressed his enthusiasm and optimism about the role of Innovate in shaping forward-thinking business leaders.
The competition also served as a platform for networking, learning, and career development and was graced by a wide range of personalities, comprising industry experts, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, career professionals, tech enthusiasts, and seasoned professionals.
Notable personalities such as Olumide Soyombo(co-founder of Bluechip Technologies and Voltron capital),Adia Sohwo (Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria) Yinka Majek (Partner at Boston Consulting Group), Ose Osundeko (Content lead for Africa at Diageo) and Joshua Chibueze (Co-founder, Piggyvest) contributed their insights during panel discussions and transformational lectures, touching on various aspects of business growth, technology, and leadership.
Ayo Mairo-Ese anchored the epoch making occasion, further highlighting Innovate’s commitment to excellence and impact.
The inclusion of a career recruitment session further underscored Innovate’s commitment to not only fostering entrepreneurial spirit but also enhancing employment opportunities for Nigeria’s youth.
As Innovate wraps up another successful year, the impacts of this initiative are set to resonate throughout Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, encouraging more innovative solutions and sustainable business practices that are likely to shape the nation’s economic landscape.
