By Praise Chinecherem
Anambra State Government’s Solution Innovation District, (SID) has invited Nigeria’s brightest startups and innovators to pitch solutions that address critical societal challenges as application opens for its Battle for Solutions Competition, slated for November 2024.
“Battle for Solutions”, which is a major feature of the maiden Anambra Innovation Week, welcomes solutions-based pitches from across sectors such as health, renewable energy, ecommerce, agritech, education, fintech, environment etc,
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Innovation and Business Incubation, Chinwe Okoli, who disclosed this during a press conference ahead of the Innovation Week, said the competition is designed to advance technology innovation across the continent.
“Anambra innovation week prioritizes growth through bold ideas, talents, technology, and invention and this is highlighted by our flagship competition called battle for solutions, which is an innovative competition with a prize pool of over 100 million naira in cash prizes.
“Government ministries, agencies, academic institutions, startups and creators are all welcome to participate in their own categories of the battle of solution competitions,” Okoli explained even as she welcomed innovators across the country to apply.
“Innovators both in Anambra State and across Nigeria are eligible to apply and compete in the battle for solutions. Application for the battle for solutions opens today on our website which is www.innovationweek.anambrastate.gov.ng or if you go to the solution innovation district website, you will also find the link to the innovation week’s website.
According to the SID Team Lead, the Innovation Week has become an annual ritual and leading platform for showcasing Nigeria’s and Africa’s fast growing and vibrant technology and innovation ecosystem while also underscoring the state’s vision to become the at the Silicon Valley of Africa.
“So, over the five-day event, we will bring together innovators, policymakers, top tech CEOs, industry experts, entrepreneurs, investors, digital experts, and the academia from Africa and beyond.
“Anambra innovation week will feature exhibitions showcases games, competitions, keynotes, high level panels, fireside chats, workshops, master classes, and a trade innovation fair for SME’s.
Okoli disclosed that with the a mandate to nurture the Anambra digital tribe, support the startup ecosystem, incubate promising ventures, foster research commercialization and help businesses leverage technology to scale, the Solution Innovation District has through programs like “the Level Up Anambra” and “Code Anambra”, empowered over 25,000 youths in the last one year.
“We train them on various digital skills, preparing them for jobs at the global market and many of them interestingly have secured jobs and they’ve continued to secure daily. Our SID digital boot camp cultivates a new generation of talented teams, who are poised for future global impact.
While noting that the Anambra State Startup Law is underway with a goal to boost an environment that nurtures creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development in the state, Okoli appreciated Governor Soludo’s commitment towards making Anambra the Silicon Valley of Africa through the prioritization of critical infrastructure that supports digital innovation ecosystem in the area.
“So far 2000 kilometers of fiber duct is being laid across the state to enable last mile Internet connectivity and then the 13.7 hectares of land which is currently the home to Government House of Anambra State has been designated as the permanent site of Solution Innovation District.
“The master plan redesign is complete and the construction of the first major structure there has begun. This is setting the foundation for what will become the hub of innovation and technology in Anambra we call it Anambra’s own Silicon Valley,” she concluded.
