Federal Government, through the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, has launched a Space Accelerator programme, aimed at fostering innovation, providing mentorship and propelling startups into global spotlight.
The programme is designed to support and re-engineer Nigerian youths, pioneering start-ups, space enthusiasts, and early-stage companies with space tech solutions through education, mentorship and financing.
Speaking at the programme launch, yesterday, in Abuja, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Jane Nkechi Egerton Idehen, said NIGCOMSAT, in recognition of the transformative potentials of the nation’s space and satellite-related support, established the programme in a comprehensive 24-week initiative.
According to Idehen the programme was a transformation journey spanning key stages, offering a blend of mentorship, networking and exposure to catapult start-up into global space-tech arena’.
The MD noted that the programme would position NIGCOMSAT Ltd as a key player in fostering innovation in the satellite industry and equally open and identify potential collaborators with emerging start-ups as well as gain positive exposure through successful startups.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, stated that the launch of the programme signified a giant leap forward for Nigeria’s technological advancement and economic diversification, adding that Nigeria was at the precipice of unlocking the immense potential of satellite technology, not just for communication and connectivity, but for a multitude of applications impacting every facet of our lives.
Kalu urged the participants and organisers to embrace Bold Vision, dream big and explore the diverse range of applications satellite technology can offer fom precision agriculture and environmental monitoring to telemedicine and disaster management, the possibilities are endless.
He observed that the success of the programme would not only benefit Nigeria, but also serve as a model for other African nations aspiring to harness the power of satellite technology.
