Policymakers, industry chief executives, investors, development partners, financial institutions, leading innovators and thought leaders across the local and global technology ecosystem are set to unlock the limitless opportunities in Nigeria’s technology and telecommunications ecosystem, with a core focus on advancing sustainability at the Innovators Makers Challenge (IMC) Conference & Innovation Exhibition in Lagos.

The IMC 2.0 conference & innovation exhibition, organised by the Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG), is scheduled to hold on September 24, 2026 at Balmoral Convention Centre, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The IMC 2.0 conference and Innovation exhibition, sponsored by IHS Nigeria, had expanded scope, seeking to identify, support, and accelerate innovative solutions across multiple sectors that contribute to sustainable development and national competitiveness.

The sectors include AgriTech, EnergyTech, HealthTech, FinTech, Water Solution Technology, Waste and ClimateTech, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation, Education, Infrastructure& Smart Cities, Creative Industries, Digital Governance and Civic Technology, Logistics and Mobility, and other technology-enabled sectors driving economic growth and social impact.

Lead Consultant at TTSWG Secretariat, Bankole Oloruntoba, explained that the expanded mandate is to accelerate solutions across healthtech, fintech, agritech, climatetech, AI, manufacturing, education, infrastructure, creative industries, digital governance, and other technology-enabled sectors with proven market validation and measurable economic, social, and environmental impact,”

He said this year’s programme components include the ongoing Go-to-Talent Competition, open to young Nigerian innovators and entrepreneurs aged 18–35, growth-stage startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and tech and sustainability startups.

Others, he said, include IMC Bootcamp – a three-day mentorship programme featuring modules on business development, team building, finance, and pitching; Innovation Exhibition featuring startups and matured companies, and Business Clinics – legal and business consulting booths.

According to him, the innovation exhibition will feature over 20 startups, tech firms, research projects, and development organisations showcasing breakthrough solutions for sustainable development.

Oloruntoba said the spotlight will be on the IMC Quest Pitch Competition, where the top five growth-stage startups from the IMC Bootcamp will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges that will select the winners at the Conference.

He said the top three would receive a total of N9.2 million in seed capital – N7 million for the winner, N1.2 million for the first runner-up and N1 million for the second runner-up.

Oloruntoba said to ensure accountability, maximise investment outcomes, and support long-term business growth, all winning startups will participate in a structured six-month post-competition incubation programme.

Other key highlights of the 2026 conference and exhibition include the launch of the Telecommunication and Technology Citizenship Awareness Roadmap (TATCAR) 2023–2026, capturing key updates and best practices driving responsible growth in the sector.