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”.

This is a comprehensive software development training program aimed at empowering the Ndi Anambra with advanced in-demand skills and opportunities in the global tech industry.

Code Anambra is designed to equip Anambra’s talented tech enthusiasts with the knowledge, expertise and practical skills in various software development areas, including Product Design, Frontend Development, Backend Development, Fullstack Development, and Mobile App Development.

This initiative reflects the commitment of Mr. Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, towards promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in the state.

Code Anambra is a continuous cohort-based training program. The beneficiaries of each cohort will go through a four-month intensive training, learning, and project phases. The program also includes a two-month internship phase post training.

Code Anambra is open to both indigenes and residents of Anambra State who possess a certain level of proficiency in using computers.

By participating in this training program, individuals will have the opportunity to enhance their technical skills and embark on a promising career path within the thriving software development industry.

During the four-month on-site training period, participants will be exposed to a rigorous curriculum developed by industry experts.

They will gain hands-on experience, work on real-world projects, and receive mentorship from experienced professionals.

Code Anambra program is designed to encourage creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, enabling participants to excel in their chosen software development fields.

Upon the successful completion of the program, top performers will have the unique opportunity to be connected with internship placements in reputable tech companies and organizations. Additionally, outstanding participants could also be considered for job openings, providing them with a direct pathway to employment and contributing to the growth of the local tech ecosystem.

Ms. Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, expressed her excitement about Code Anambra, stating,

“We are delighted to launch this training program in line with Mr. Governor’s agenda to raise the Anambra Digital Tribe who possess advanced digital skills to the levels that are competitive at home and exportable abroad. Our programs at Solution Innovation District are designed to achieve Mr Governors vision of making Anambra the Digital and Creative Capital of Nigeria.  Code Anambra program will serve as a catalyst for the growth of the local tech industry by nurturing and developing the next generation of software development talents in Anambra State.

“At Solution Innovation District, we are building the ecosystem to make Anambra State the preferred destination for tech talents, creatives, innovators, inventors and solution providers. We are grooming exportable home-grown digital talents in Anambra and we look forward to witnessing the transformative impact this program will have on the lives of participants and the innovation ecosystem in the state.”

To apply for the Code Anambra training program, interested candidates are invited to visit the official application portal here.

The application started on July 1, 2023, and interested individuals are encouraged to submit their applications promptly to secure a spot in this highly sought-after program.

Code Anambra program is a significant step towards building a vibrant technology innovation ecosystem in Anambra State.

Through this training program, the Anambra State Government through the Solution Innovation District is providing Ndi Anambra, especially the youth, with an exceptional opportunity to acquire priceless skills, unlock their potential, and shape the future of the digital economy in Nigeria.

To apply for the Code Anambra Training program, visit https://portal.sid.ng/apply