The Techstars Startup Weekend Onitsha, organized by the Solution Innovation District (SID), was a remarkable event fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Anambra State. This 54-hour event showcased the region's commitment to nurturing startups and driving technological advancement.
During the welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Business Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms. Chinwe Okoli, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Prof. Charles Soludo for his unwavering support and dedication to enhancing digital and technological awareness in the state. She emphasized the significance of events like the Techstars Startup Weekend in inspiring innovation and entrepreneurship and highlighted the Governor's vision of transforming Anambra State into Nigeria's digital and creative capital, with aspirations of becoming Africa's Silicon Valley.
A highlight of the event was a compelling presentation by Emily Skinstad, the Director of Community Operations at Techstars. She delivered an insightful talk on "Measuring Your Progress with KPIs and the Art of Storytelling," which was met with great enthusiasm from the participants.
The event saw robust engagement, with 120 participants demonstrating strong enthusiasm and commitment. Their energy and eagerness to learn and innovate were palpable throughout the weekend.
Mentorship played a pivotal role in the event's success. We were honored to have Dr. Olusegun Oluebube from Onitsha Business School and Mr. Ndubuisi Nnamdi from Moni Point MFB as mentors. They provided invaluable guidance, sharing business advice and insights with various teams, significantly enriching the participants' experience.
A total of 22 innovative ideas were shared, with eight standout ideas pitched. These ideas spanned various industries and addressed key societal challenges, showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of the participants.
The top-performing team, ‘Team Electrify,’ was awarded N500,000 to support their startup journey. Their innovative focus on clean and affordable energy solutions using a smart-grid energy system for market clusters and individuals exemplified the spirit of the event.
We extend our sincere thanks to Governor Prof. Charles Soludo for his unwavering support in advancing Anambra's digital community and for facilitating this remarkable program for Ndi Anambra. We also deeply appreciate Ms. Chinwe Okoli's visionary leadership in aligning with the Governor's vision.
Together, we can drive innovation, create opportunities, and build a brighter future for Anambra State.
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