The Innovation Support Network (ISN) Hubs proudly announces the 6th edition of its Annual Gathering (AG), the most influential gathering of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, taking place from October 28–30, 2025, in Kano State, Nigeria.
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.
In a statement by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, ISN Annual Gathering 2025, Mr. Abdulganiyu Rufai Yakub, he 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, FNIEEE, FNCS, 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.
