Ibom Air, Others to Address Local Needs with Tech Innovation Challenge

Emma Okonji

Ibom Air and other sponsors have identified with Ibom Innovation Network, organisers of Akwa Ibom Tech Week, to support tech startups in developing local solutions that will help Ibom Air address some of the identified challenges in the Aviation sector.

In support of tech innovation and in order to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth through innovation and technology, Akwa Ibom Tech Week has launched the 2024 Innovation Challenge, which seeks to bring tech startups from across the country to develop local solutions that will address identified challenges and needs across various sectors of tye Nigerian economy.

Speaking at a recent webinar, organised by Ibom Innovation Network, the Group Manager, ICT at Ibom Air, Stanley Igwe, said Ibom Air would want startups to develop solution that would help air passengers with disability to board aircraft effortlessly with Ibom Air.

According to Igwe, “Ibom Air happens to be one of the state’s iconic ventures, and we have always portrayed ourselves as a world-class team, and we know that this is not just mere words of mouth. We are looking forward to driving this by the day-to-day innovations coming up within tech sector. However, one of our challenges that we are seeking solution from tech startups, is about the challenge faced by our passengers who have walking disability. We need a solution that will help them get into the aircraft almost effortlessly.”

GM, Marketing and Communications for Ibom Air, Aniekan Essienette, while speaking, announced the Ibom Air Prize for Innovation and emphasised the airline’s mission to lead Nigeria’s aviation space with homegrown innovation, hence the sponsorship of the Innovation Challenge of Akwa Ibom Tech Week. 

Highlighting the importance of the Innovation Challenge, President of Ibom Innovation Network (IIN), Hanson Johnson, said: “The Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024 Innovation Challenge will bring together, our brightest minds to develop solutions that address real-world problems, fostering a resilient innovation ecosystem. The initiative reflects our commitment to empowering youth, driving economic growth, and positioning Akwa Ibom as Africa’s new tech destination.” 

According to him, applications are open for tech startups that are interested in developing solutions that will address local needs of Nigerians.

Co-planner in charge of publicity for Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024, Idongesit Essien, while thanking the sponsors, announced the N10 million prize money raised from different private sector sponsors, which include Ibom Air, Ubulu Africa, Hotels NG, Start Innovation Hub, Metikon Engineering, Victoria Ekanem Foundation, and Engineering Automation Technology Limited.