Start Innovation Hub (SIH) has entered into partnership with Ibom Innovation Network, organisers of Akwa Ibom Tech Week for a tech challenge worth N10 million.
Start Innovation Hub is sponsoring the challenge for tech savvy youths to design and develop an AI powered tourism solution that will enable tourists stay updated on tourism activities from the day they arrive in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and prompted to subscribe for guided activities throughout their stay.
Chief Executive Officer, Start Innovation Hub, Mr Hanson Johnson, and President, Ibom Innovation Network (IIN), said the challenge seeks to encourage innovation using technology to solve Nigeria’s economic problems, adding that winners would be unveiled during the Akwa Ibom Tech Week slated for October 28 and November 2, 2024 in Uyo.
Speaking in Uyo during the launch of the challenge, Johnson explained that the challenge is focused on the thematic areas: Accessible Mobility Solutions for Wheelchair Users in Aviation, Energy Transition, Hardware Innovation Made in Akwa Ibom, Cost-Effective Population Census in Akwa Ibom State, and Innovative AI-Powered Tourism Solution.
He explained that the forum was for bright minds to develop and present solutions to existing problems that would promote and grow Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, starting from Akwa Ibom State.
He stated that each category of competitors must consist of a minimum of two members and maximum of five members.
“The Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024 Innovation Challenge is more than just a competition; it’s a catalyst for change. We’re challenging our brightest minds to develop solutions that address real-world problems, fostering a resilient innovation ecosystem.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering youth, driving economic growth, and positioning Akwa Ibom as Africa’s New Tech Destination” he stated.
Other challenge sponsors include Ibom Air, Ubulu Africa, Hotels NG, Metikon Engineering, Victoria Ekanem Foundation and Engineering Automation Technology Ltd.
Publicity lead of the event and Co-founder, Optics and Matrix, Mr Idongesit Essien, said the tech week seeks to position Akwa Ibom State as Africa’s new tech destination, adding that the innovation challenge has increased the stakes of the annual programme.
While thanking the challenge sponsors, Essien said the goal of stakeholders is to make use of local talents to build solutions to tackle local problems.
The Akwa Ibom Tech Week theme is “Building a Resilient Innovation Ecosystem”.