The Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA) has secured $50,000 worth of cloud credits for top-performing startups and MSMEs during the HEAT Hackathon 2025, held under the state’s Digital Transformation Agenda.
The event, the first of its kind in Kano, reflects Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to empowering young innovators and positioning technology as a driver of economic growth and job creation.
Over 36 teams and 150 participants took part in the hackathon, developing tech-driven solutions across the state’s key HEAT sectors Health, Education, Agriculture, and Transportation.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, KASITDA Director-General, Dr. Bashir Abdu Muzakkari, said the initiative embodies the state’s vision to make Kano a regional leader in innovation and digital inclusion.
“His Excellency is determined to make Kano a centre of technological excellence where youth can transform ideas into impact,” Muzakkari said. “KASITDA will continue to support innovators to scale their solutions and create opportunities for all.”
The $50,000 cloud package, provided through a partnership with CloudPlexo, an Amazon AWS partner, will help the top ten startups access cloud infrastructure to develop, test, and scale their innovations.
Supporting partners also contributed to the initiative. All for Tech offered premium VPN access for secure development, while Enovate Lab will provide post-hackathon mentorship, covering business modelling, pitch refinement, and investment readiness.
Governor Yusuf described the hackathon’s success as proof of his administration’s commitment to building a sustainable tech ecosystem that supports youth-led businesses and drives inclusive development.
“Our goal is to unlock the potential of technology as a catalyst for jobs, education, and innovation,” the governor said. “This milestone by KASITDA reflects our belief that innovation is the engine of Kano’s future.”
With this initiative, KASITDA has taken a major step toward helping MSMEs leverage technology to enhance productivity and competitiveness. The agency also plans to expand digital literacy and innovation programmes to further integrate startups into the state’s economic growth framework.
