TTSWG Empowers Talents in Tech, Unveils Challenge

Omolabake Fasogbon

Experts have stressed timely support and funding for young talents in the technology sector to drive growth and sustainable innovations.

Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC), Bankole Oloruntoba declared this in Lagos recently, at a press conference announcing 2023 Innovation Makers’ Challenge (IMC), an initiative of Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG).

According to him, lack of support for ideas at their early stage had denied the country a number of invaluable breakthrough and innovations. 

Oloruntoba who bragged about Nigeria’s capabilities and inventiveness, noted that a timely intervention and support for ideas will give young ones a competitive edge that will drive positive narratives in the country.

Speaking on the challenge, Board Member of TTSWG, Chris Uwaje said IMC initiative was designed to encourage and develop talents in the tech space for the growth of national economy. 

He said the challenge is targeted at young innovators between ages 18 – 35 who are expected to showcase their original technology-driven ideas and products.

“Interested participants are expected to submit 90-second video pitch of their innovation via a designated website and answer accompanying questions between September 11 and October. Thereafter, 20 finalists will be invited to participate in innovators’ boot camp where they will be guided and mentored by experts to improve their ideas”. 

Uwaje added that outstanding innovators will later pitch their ideas to a panel of judges to compete for a cash prize of N2,000,000, N1,000,000, and N500,000 at TTSWG innovators conference in November. 

Speaking further, Lead Consultant at TTSWG Secretariat, Bekeme Olowola said, “Nigeria is rich in talent and needs more support, encouragement, and development to flourish and become major contributors to the nation’s economic growth. However, the country has often celebrated ideas that have no significant impact on national development. The IMC is designed to celebrate and empower young creatives in the technology space who can make a positive difference. We invite everyone qualified from all over the country to apply”.