Solution Innovation District (SID), an initiative by the Anambra State Government under the leadership of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has launched a N100 million innovation competitions for Startups in the State.
Similarly, the SID is set to host the maiden Anambra Innovation Week 2024 (AIW2024) slated for 25th-29th November, 2024 in Awka, Techeconomy can report.
Speaking during a press conference today in Awka, Chinwe Okoli, the Special Adviser to Anambra State Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, share insights of what the Governor has planned for the week of innovation and technology under the theme: “Creating the Future of Africa, Now”.
“Anambra Innovation Week is set to become an annual event and a leading platform for showcasing Nigeria and Africa’s fast-growing and vibrant technology and innovation ecosystem, while underscoring our vision to make Anambra the Silicon Valley of Africa.
“Over the five day event, we will bring together innovators, policymakers, Top Tech CEOs, industry, entrepreneurs, investors, digital experts, and academics from Africa and beyond. AIW will feature exhibitions, showcases, competitions, games, keynotes, high-level panels, fireside chats, workshops, masterclasses, and a TradeNovation Fair for SMEs, all designed to advance technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the continent.
“AIW prioritizes growth through bold ideas, talent, technology and invention highlighted by our flagship competition called Battle4Solutions.
“An innovation competition with a prize pool of over one hundred million naira (N100,000,000) in cash prizes. This competition invites Nigeria’s brightest startups to pitch solutions addressing critical societal challenges in various sectors such as digital health, renewable energy, e-commerce, agritech, fintech, environment, education etc.
“Government ministries, agencies, academic institutions, startups, and creators are all welcome to participate in their categories of competition , with full details available on our website.
“In line with Governor Soludo’s agenda to make Anambra Nigeria’s digital and creative capital, SID is dedicated to developing a thriving ecosystem for digital talent, startups, and innovative businesses across the state.
“Our mandate encompasses nurturing the ‘Anambra Digital Tribe,’ supporting the startup ecosystem, incubating promising ventures, fostering research commercialization, and helping businesses leverage technology to scale”, Okoli said.
Solution Innovation District (SID) Goes Global, Inducted into IASP
Rewind
The SA to the Governor recalled that under the leadership of Professor Soludo, the State has taken giant steps to innovate through programmes like LevelUp Anambra and Code Anambra.
“We have trained over 25,000 youths on various deep technology skills preparing them for jobs in the global market-and many other them secure such jobs daily, while our SID Teen Digital Bootcamp cultivates a new generation of talented teens poised for future global impact.
Additionally, the Anambra State Startup Law, a domestication of the Nigerian Startup Act, is underway to boost an environment that nurtures creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth.
“In support of this commitment, Governor Soludo has prioritized infrastructure, with over 2,000 km of fiber duct being laid across the state for last-mile internet connectivity. A 13.7-hectare plot of land, currently home to the Government House, has been designated as the permanent site for SID.
“The master plan redesign is complete, and construction on the first major structure has begun, setting the foundation for what will become a hub of innovation and technology -Anambra’s own “Silicon Valley.” Meanwhile, SID operates from a temporary center equipped with a digital skills lab, robotics lab, coworking spaces, training halls, high-speed internet, and a productive environment for startups and tech enthusiasts.
How to Apply for Battle4Solutions
Innovators both in Anambra and across Nigeria are eligible to apply and compete in the Battle4Solutions.
Application opens today. Click for more details.
“We will continue to share updates on confirmed speakers and partners in the coming days leading up to the event across Solution Innovation District’s social media pages and the Anambra Innovation Week’s event website and pages”.
