Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Anambra State Government has announced the launch of its maiden Innovation Week, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and technological advancement in the state.
Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, Chinwe Okoli, made the announcement during a media briefing in Awka, the state capital, Tuesday.
According to Okoli, the week-long event is scheduled to take place from 25-29 November, 2024, promising that it will provide a platform for start-ups, innovators, entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts to showcase their ideas, talents, inventions and innovations.
Okoli, who doubles as the Head of Solution Innovation District (SID), said the event will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, pitching competitions, and exhibitions, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions.
“On behalf of the governor, I’m immensely delighted to announce the Anambra innovation week 2024.
“Anambra innovation week is set to become an annual event and a leading platform for showcasing Nigeria’s 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’ll bring together innovators, policymakers, industry experts, entrepreneurs, investors, digital experts and the academia from Africa and beyond.
“Anambra innovation week will feature exhibitions showcasing games, competitions, keynote, workshops, masterclasses and trade innovation fare for SMEs. All these are designed to advance technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the continent.
“The programme prioritizes promotion of bold ideas, talents, innovations, and inventions highlighted by our flagship competition called ‘Battle for Solution.’
“Battle for Solution is an innovative competition with over N100 million cash prizes. This competition invites Nigerians of brightest start-ups and innovations to pitch solutions addressing critical societal challenges in various sectors such as health, renewable energy, Agric, commerce, education environment, etc.
“Government ministries, agencies, academic institutions, start-ups and creators are all welcomed to participate in their own categories. Innovators both in Anambra and across Nigeria are eligible to apply and compete in the battle for solution.”
She said interested participants can register online via the website, www.innovationweek.anambrastate.gov.ng or solution innovative district website. She also encouraged the public to regularly visit the site for updates.
