The Co-creation Hub (CcHUB), in collaboration with IHS Nigeria, has unveiled a N29 million innovation grant to support 10 young technology innovators and startups nationwide, aiming to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and boost youth entrepreneurship.
The announcement was made by CcHUB Managing Partner Nissi Madu during the flagship Innovation Challenge and Hackathon held at the Ilorin Innovation Hub in Kwara State. She said the initiative seeks to build capacity for innovation, generate employment, and drive inclusive economic growth through technology-led solutions.
The three-month programme, which included roadshows and campus engagements across the country, drew over 1,300 participants and received more than 500 applications before the August 18 deadline. “The shortlisted innovators are working on solutions spanning artificial intelligence, clean tech, health tech, education technology, digital creativity, connectivity, and Big Data,” Madu explained.
From the finalists, seven innovators will be selected through the hackathon category and three through the innovation challenge. Each will receive financial and technical support to scale their projects.
Temi Kolawole, Managing Director of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, described the initiative as a strategic platform to discover and accelerate tech solutions addressing regional and national challenges. He emphasized that the programme goes beyond funding, connecting startups with mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners to foster economic diversification, sustainable development, and job creation, particularly in Kwara State.
The three-day Innovation Challenge and Hackathon also serves as a pipeline for the Pre-Incubation and Incubation programmes, culminating in a Demo Day where selected startups will present their innovations to potential investors and partners.
