By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Talented young technologists with break even innovations to solve society challenges in the technology world will smile home with a handsome cash prize as Ibom Air and other spirited organisations have dashed out 10 million cash prize for winners of this year’s Akwa Ibom Tech Week in Uyo.
Already, one month of competition has commenced ahead of the Tech Week which is from 28th October to November 2, 2024, where contestants will find innovative solutions to known problems thrown at them by sponsors from the private sector.
According to a statement by Hanson Johnson, President of Ibom Innovation Network, his organization aims are, to provide a vibrant ecosystem for innovators, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to collaborate, create, and scale solutions to pressing societal challenges.
“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.” Johnson explained.
The General Manager, Marketing and Communications for Ibom Air, Aniekan Essienette, earlier while addressing the gathering, 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.
Group Manager, ICT, Ibom Air, Stanley Igwe expressed the readiness of Ibom Air to support Ibom Innovation Network with promoting and rewarding local innovators through the innovation challenge, a relationship the airline hopes to sustain.
The Co-planner in charge of publicity of the Week, Idongesit Essien, while thanking the sponsors, announced the ten (10) Million naira prize money raised from different private sector sponsors including Ibom Air, Ubulu Africa, Hotels NG, Start Innovation Hub, Metikon Engineering, Victoria Ekanem Foundation and Engineering Automation Technology Ltd.
Essien recalled that Akwa Ibom Tech Week in 2023 sought to position Akwa Ibom State as “Africa’s New Tech Destination”, but adds that the stakes have been increased with the innovation challenge, as the stakeholders seek to utilize local talents to build solutions to local problems.
Participation Criteria Dr. Odiong Akpan, Co-founder of Ubulu Africa and Director at Ibom Innovation Network while speaking about the challenges in general, invited innovators from all walks of life including universities, government agencies, private sector and secondary schools.
He also called on more participation from the private sector and government institutions to partner with Ibom Innovation Network to foster the growth of innovation in Akwa Ibom.
“Although Participants from any part of Nigeria can apply, they would have to be assigned to local hubs in Akwa Ibom. Details of the challenges can be found on the network’s website.” Essien said.
