As Nigeria’s largest platform for innovators, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders shaping the future of technology and business, the ISN Annual Gathering has become a defining moment in the national calendar.

Each year, it convenes innovation hubs, startups, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, academia, development partners, and thought leaders to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and co-create solutions for sustainable development.

Having successfully hosted past editions in Lagos (2022), Abuja (2023), and Uyo (2024), the ISN Annual Gathering has steadily grown into a premier convergence of ideas and opportunities, reinforcing ISN’s role as the backbone of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

The 2025 edition will mark a historic moment as Kano, a city rich in culture, history, and commerce, plays host to the gathering, showcasing its potential as a rising hub of innovation and enterprise in West Africa.

With a membership of over 400 innovation and technology hubs spread across 31 states and all 6 geopolitical zones, ISN Hubs directly supports more than 10,000 startups, MSMEs, researchers, and creatives.

Through capacity-building, ecosystem building, and policy advocacy, ISN continues to drive digital inclusion, create jobs, and foster entrepreneurship in alignment with Nigeria’s innovation and development agenda.

Mr. Abdulganiyu Rufai Yakub, chairman of the Organizing Committee, ISN Annual Gathering 2025, said:

“As we welcome the nation’s brightest minds to my beloved Kano, we are not just gathering; we are igniting a movement. The ISN Annual Gathering 2025 is where culture meets creativity, and where Nigeria’s innovation potential is set free.”

The 2025 edition of the Annual Gathering will be hosted in Kano under the theme:

“Unlocking Nigeria’s Innovation Potential: Hubs as Engines of Transformation.”

This theme underscores the pivotal role of hubs in driving entrepreneurship, advancing culture, promoting sustainable development, and transforming Nigeria’s innovation landscape.

Speaking on the impact of the Annual Gathering, Engr. Charles Uche Emembolu, board chairman, Innovation Support Network (ISN), noted:

“Over the last six years, ISN has moved from promise to proof, demonstrating that Nigeria’s innovation hubs are engines of transformation. Our 2024 Uyo Gathering affirmed this momentum, and we remain committed to scaling opportunities, shaping policy, and cementing our leadership in the innovation economy.”

Summit Highlights

The 3-day gathering promises a dynamic and immersive experience designed to empower the innovation ecosystem and spotlight Kano as a hub of opportunity. Attendees can expect:

Keynote Address by the Executive Governor of Kano State, spotlighting innovation as a catalyst for transformation.

High-level panel sessions with government leaders, private sector executives, and international partners on innovation, culture, tourism, and economic growth.

Startup and SME exhibitions featuring innovative products, digital solutions, and groundbreaking ideas from across Nigeria.

Ecosystem dialogues designed to bridge collaboration between innovation hubs, corporates, policymakers, and development partners.

Deal room and investor sessions where startups will connect with local and international investors to unlock funding and scale opportunities.

Networking lounges and lightning talks for peer learning, knowledge sharing, and ecosystem connections.

Cultural showcases celebrating Kano’s rich heritage of creativity, commerce, and craftsmanship alongside modern innovation.

With an expected audience of ecosystem leaders, investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and international development partners, ISN AG 2025 will be a historic convening spotlighting Kano as a center of creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable transformation.

Call for Partnership

ISN AG 2025 represents a strategic opportunity for organizations to engage with Nigeria’s most dynamic innovation ecosystem. Corporate bodies, development organizations, and institutions are invited to sponsor, partner, or exhibit at this year’s event.

Partnership benefits include brand visibility, access to key decision-makers, opportunities to showcase products and services, and the ability to shape conversations driving Nigeria’s innovation future.

Visit the website and learn more.

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Held from September 13 to 15, 2023, at the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre in Abuja, this year’s theme, “Unlocking Potential: Collaborating for Growth and Impact,” brought together a diverse community of innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders.  

Innovation Support Network (ISN Hubs) is an organization focused on creating linkages with corporates, development partners, academia, and government to catalyze Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem through its community of 168 innovation, technology, impact, and entrepreneurship Hubs across the country. 

The event buzzed with insightful and captivating discussions, underscoring the pivotal role that innovation hubs play in advancing Nigeria’s economic landscape.

A notable highlight of the occasion was the Annual General Meeting (AGM), a momentous gathering where we celebrated outgoing Board Directors who had completed their dedicated terms of service.

Among these esteemed individuals were Mr. Hanson Johnson, the outgone director of ecosystem and the Founder of Start Innovation Hub; Mal. Abdulganiyu Rufai Yakub, the outgone director of corporate and the founder of Digital Development Hub; Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the outgone director of marketing and the cofounder of Go Do Hub, Madam Fayo Williams, the outgone finance director and the driving force behind Exponential Hub; and Charles Emembolu, the Co-Founder of Roar Nigeria Hub.   

The AGM also witnessed the introduction of a new Executive Director, Oge Nnaife who would be leading the ISN Secretariat and bringing in her expertise into deepening the network’s footprints within the ecosystem as the thought leader and catalyst for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship as well as the election of a new cohort of Board Directors, each bringing their unique talents and perspectives to the table.

Charles Emembolu, the Co-Founder of Roar Nigeria Hub, assumed the role of Director for Partnerships, while Maryam Lawan Gwadabe, the visionary Founder of Blue Sapphire Hub, took up the mantle as Director for Corporate. Edward Esene, the Founder of Plus Incubation Hub, stepped into the role of Director for Marketing, and Blessing Ebere Achu, the Founder of 360 Creative Innovation Hub, assumed the position of Director for Finance.

Theodore Longji, the CEO of nHub, was elected as Director for Ecosystem.

The AGM served as the backdrop for these momentous transitions and reflections on our collective achievements.

Held at the Nigerian Army Resort Centre in Asokoro, the event garnered remarkable attendance, with over 130 individuals coming together to celebrate the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines our thriving community. 

On the second day of the event, the gathering itself showcased an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists.

Keynotes were delivered by distinguished individuals such as Finland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvänäinen, Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, (represented by Yakuba Musa), National Coordinator of ONDI, Head of Project at GIZ Digital Transformation Center, Nigeria, Dr Thuweba Diwani and Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI.

The event also featured dynamic panel discussions, bringing together representatives from various sectors including government and private industry leaders like Obi Asika and Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome-professionally known as Alibaba, development partners, academia, and innovation hubs.

These discussions delved into the myriad ways in which collaboration with stakeholders can magnify the impact of the hubs’ initiatives and achievements. 

Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the outgoing Marketing Director, shared his enthusiasm, emphasizing ISN Hubs’ mission to promote collaboration, inspire, and support Nigerian hubs in fostering a diversified economy that champions technological development, innovation, and early-stage entrepreneurship.

The Annual Gathering served as a platform to showcase the outstanding work of network members in driving value across the nation while fostering opportunities for impactful partnerships. 

Panel sessions during the event tackled topics such as the domestication and implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act, the state of the impact ecosystem in Nigeria, strategies for driving inclusive economic growth through effective partnerships, harnessing diverse expertise for innovation and sustainable growth, corporate innovation, and more.

Additionally, the event featured a parallel session called the Deal Room, where 12 startups, selected from a pool of 560 applications, pitched their ideas to potential investors for potential funding of up to $200,000. Four startups emerged as winners and are currently engaged in discussions with investors. 

The final day of the event included an enlightening Innovation Ecosystem tour in Abuja. Members of the ISN community visited notable locations such as Work and Connect, Ventures Park, and Innov8 Hub. 

In summary, the AGM, Annual event, and Abuja Ecosystem tour provided the backdrop for significant transitions, reflections on collective achievements, networking, bond-building, and the invaluable sharing of experiences and knowledge.

This event marked a crucial milestone in the journey of ISN Hubs towards fostering innovation and collaboration for the betterment of Nigeria’s economic landscape. 

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Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), was among the five pioneer members of the Board of Innovation Support Network (ISN) who are stepping down as announced at the 2023 annual ISN gathering.

CFA is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State ICT Agency. He stepped down as member of the Board, after four years of laying the foundations for the successful unbundling of Innovation in Nigeria, at the ISN annual gathering with the theme, ‘Unlocking Potentials: Collaborating for Growth and Impact‘.

Day One of the August event, according to the programme schedule, witnessed the Annual General Meeting, AGM, held at the Nigeria Army Resource Centre, Asokoro; Day Two was the Annual Gathering at Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Central Business District; while Day Three was for the Abuja Ecosystem tour.

CFA was elected to the Board in 2019, as a key builder of the ISN, which is a conglomeration of Innovation hubs, which are avenues for budding entrepreneurs, usually referred to as start-ups as well as executing other important projects for the deepening of technology across the country.

Having served on the board for four years now, CFA has been instrumental to the evolution of the plethora of Innovation hubs in Nigeria today, driving the agenda of a mission to create jobs, stimulate socio-economic growth, leveraging science, technology and innovation by supporting member hubs and their communities with capacity, knowledge, finance, network and enabling policies.

It is notable that ISN Hubs which started off with just about 75 Innovation hubs in 2019, has grown to a community of over 150+ hubs, promoting Capacity Building among Hubs through National & Regional Knowledge Share Gatherings, Demo Days and Meet-the-Funders Events.

For CFA, who served as Director of Marketing and Acting Chairman of the Board, it has been an amazing four-year journey of innovation and leadership.

Looking back at the journey, Agbata observed that what began as a visionary idea, has blossomed into a thriving force for innovation, expressing delight to have been part of the individuals who contributed to its formation and expansion, alongside other board members and the 75 founding hubs.

“I am even more excited to pass the torch and witness the continued development of this esteemed organization. The journey actually began in October 2018, at the AfriLabs annual gathering, which was held in Dar-es-Salem, Tanzania. I am glad that a simple discussion among the Founder, TechnoVision, Tomi Davies; AfriLabs board member, Bernard Chiira; Founder, Innovation Growth Hub, Daniel Chinagozi; Founder, Olutu Square, Bruce Lucas and I, led to the creation of a WhatsApp group, called, ‘Hub Owners Village’, which we decided will be a platform to converge all hubs in the country.

“Traction then began in 2019 after a meetup at the Techstars’ Start up weekend in Aba with Daniel Chinagozi of Innovation Growth Hub; Bruce Lucas of Olotu Square; Edward Esene of Plus Innovation Hub and I from GoDo Hub where we discussed again about the need to restart the conversation and help other hub owners rethink their models so as to deepen innovation in Nigeria. That conversation led to a renewed vigour that made sure the light of ISN never died again. The fall out of this was an initial meeting of a few hubs at Impact Hub Lagos and from here a decision was taken to formally register with the CAC.

The Hub Owners Village was not available at the CAC and this led us to rethink the name which eventually became the Innovation Support Network (ISN) Hubs.

“The mission of ISN Hubs is to foster collaboration, inspire and support Nigerian Hubs, towards building a diversified economy that promotes the development of technology, innovation and the early-stage entrepreneurship ecosystem in Nigeria.

“Our clear goal was to reshape and deepen the footprints of the tech industry through collaborative efforts and forward-thinking strategies, engaging with local, national and international policy makers on the role of hubs in the support of job creation, social and commercial ventures in the Nigerian economy.

“From the initial discussions to the strategic planning sessions, I can still recall the passion that propelled our determination to bring this vision to life. I am indeed honored to have served on the board that created the framework on which our organization now rests,” a delighted CFA opined.

He expressed appreciation for the unwavering support of his fellow board members, our fantastic personnel, and the network of partners and stakeholders who shared in the Board’s vision.

CFA said, “The camaraderie we established, the ideas we exchanged, and the challenges we overcame have greatly enriched my experience beyond measure.

“Looking back at these four transformative years, and the lessons learnt, I can clearly say that leadership isn’t solely about making decisions but more about listening, learning, and adapting to situations and events as they arise. These imbibed skills have contributed to my success in the tech space especially within the Government circle where I now serve as the MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency.

“This is the era of innovation and unprecedented disruption hence, the demand for continuous innovation, and my journey has shown me that resilience, agility, and a willingness to embrace change are key elements for success.

“And now, a new chapter opens for our organization with the transition of leadership. The incoming directors, all possessing proven skills in diverse fields. I have no doubt that their expertise and passion, will help propel our legacy of innovation, inspiring the team to reach even greater heights.

“As I step down from my role as a founding board member, I do so with a heart full of gratitude. I feel blessed to have contributed to an organization that has made a meaningful impact in the innovation ecosystem.

“The journey continues, and I am excited to see the organization flourish under new leadership, continuing its mission to drive innovation, collaboration, and positive change.

“I urge us not to relent on supporting entrepreneurs who are trying to solve problems and build solutions for the benefit of our dear country!”

The post Loud Ovations as CFA, Four Others Bow Out of ISN Hubs Board appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The event is set to be held at the Landmark Events Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos with the theme “Collaboratively Creating A Sustainable Hub Ecosystem”.

This year, the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria (DTC Nigeria) of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) are strategic partners of the ISN Gathering.

The Annual Gathering, which brings together member hubs and other key ecosystem stakeholders for learning, knowledge sharing, capacity development, and networking, is one of the highlights of the ISN Hubs activity calendar with a projected number of 500 participants.

This will be the first physical gathering since its inaugural Gathering in 2019 as the 2020 and 2021 Gatherings were held virtually.

“As a network, our primary objective is to increase Nigeria’s ranking on the global innovation index by supporting individuals, MSMEs and startups with the right tools, skills and resources to build a business and/or become more employable and productive.”

The conference will be a one-day event and will feature panel discussions, break-out sessions and networking opportunities for the attendees.

This year’s annual gathering will create the opportunity for deeper interactions by key stakeholders that include government, private sector, investors, academia, tech startups, etc. to foster sustainable collaborations especially within the digital economy.

“We look forward to leveraging the relationships fostered at the 2022 Innovation Support Network Annual Gathering as a bridge to reducing unemployment and financial gap through innovative solutions across the country using our 120+ member innovation hubs.” Tomi Davies, Chairman, Board of Directors, Innovation Support Network (ISN)

Registration for the gathering is on-going and interested participants can register here.

For partnerships and sponsorship opportunities, email partnerships@isnhubs.org.ng

The post Innovation Support Network (ISN) Set for its 4th Annual Gathering in Lagos appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The Nigeria Hardware Ecosystem Map is an online platform connecting indigenous hardware, engineering and manufacturing companies in Nigeria to customers, investors, partners and end-users.

The map was built to collate data, understand the ecosystem, showcase players in the ecosystem, enhance collaboration, advertise hardware-related businesses, and facilitate the growth of the hardware ecosystem.

Speakers at the convention:

The launch comprised stakeholders from across the Nigerian as well as African technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem representing several organisations such as Afrilabs (association of tech hubs in Africa), Innovation Support Network – ISN (association of tech hubs in Nigeria), Africa Makerspace Network (Association of makerspaces in Africa), Hardware Nigeria Community – HNC (association of hardware experts, startups and stakeholders in Nigeria), UNDP Accelerator Lap Nigeria, Abia Tech Community, Start Up South, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), SIP, South South South East Angel Network (SSEAN), etc.

Nine stakeholders including Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu (President, ISPON), Daniel Chinagozi (Board member, Afrilabs), Fayo Williams (Board member, ISN), Emmanuel Odunlade (Principal Solutions Architect, Hinge), Nkemdirim Ogbuaku (Founder, Shared Insights), Uche Aniche (Director, SSEAN), Ugo Okafor (Design Director, Arcepa), Nneka Ukay (Executive Secretary, ISN) and Tochukwu Chukwueke (Founder, Clintonel Innovation Centre and Hardware Nigeria Community), also gave remarks at the programme.

The focus on hardware is a leverage on the technologically or economically advancement which is core in engineering capability needed in the space.

Tochukwu Clinton Chukwueke, Inventor, Industrialist, Change Agent told TechEconomy.ng why they are embarking on this journey:

“Negligence of the hardware sector is one of the major reasons Nigeria is suffering from 33% unemployment rate (one of the highest in the world) and 60% poverty rate. The hardware sector is responsible for producing and maintaining the tools, machines and equipment required by the manufacturing sector which is a major employer of labour.”

“Today, Nigerian industries rely heavily on importation for virtually all the machinery they use, causing Nigeria to lose a lot of forex and the Naira to depreciate in value.”

Themed “Advancing hardware, engineering & manufacturing businesses in Nigeria” the Hardware Convention which took place from August 26 to 28, 2021, was organised with the aim of drawing attention to hardware (engineering) as a core of national development, attracting investments into the Nigerian hardware sector and showcasing the incredible ingenuity of Nigerian hardware innovators, engineers, fabricators and entrepreneurs.

The Nigerian Hardware Ecosystem Map was implemented by Clintonel Innovation Centre (CIC) – a solar powered STEM Centre, Nigeria’s first Makerspace (Engineering Tech Hub) and Hardware Startup Incubator.

Clintonel provides training, mentoring and equipment for young people to create engineering innovations, build indigenous products and start up technology businesses. With a vision to facilitate industrialisation in Nigeria, Clintonel has trained over 600 young persons in Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Renewable (Solar) Energy and Entrepreneurship.

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