The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) proudly celebrated the graduation of 13 exceptional founders from the NITDA-Founder Institute (FI) 2023 Startup Accelerator Programme.
Aiming to cultivate talent in Nigeria, this initiative marked a significant milestone in fostering innovation and collaboration within the country’s tech landscape.
The graduation ceremony witnessed the commendable success of 13 founders who exhibited extraordinary dedication and innovation during the intensive 14-week accelerator program.
Attended by prominent industry stakeholders, government officials, and tech enthusiasts, the ceremony underscored the collaborative efforts between NITDA and the Founder Institute.
This strategic partnership aimed to foster a vibrant tech innovation ecosystem in Nigeria.
Discovering and Nurturing Tech Pioneers
Under a contract agreement with NITDA, the Founder Institute executed a virtual Accelerator Programme focused on discovering and nurturing founders with innovative startup ideas in emerging technologies.
These encompassed Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cybersecurity, e-Commerce, Software, Fintech, EdTech, Internet of Things (IoT), and Biotechnology.
Accelerating Entrepreneurship Knowledge
Commencing on October 18, 2023, the program attracted a total of fifty founders, with 30 enrolled from NITDA and 20 from the Founder Institute.
With 16 knowledge acquisition sessions covering various aspects of entrepreneurship, product development, and mentorship, participants gained valuable insights into the dynamic world of startups.
Government Commitment to Tech Innovation
In his address, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, lauded the commitment of both entities in upgrading the capacity of the new set of innovative portfolio startup companies.
He emphasized the alignment of the program with the national agenda for “Accelerating Diversification through Industrialisation, Digitisation, Creative Arts, Manufacturing, and Innovation.”
Startup Act as a Catalyst
Highlighting the significance of the Nigeria Startup Act, Inuwa emphasized its role in providing regulatory support, tax reliefs, capacity building, talent development, effective accountability, and unambiguous governance guidelines.
The act positions digital innovation and entrepreneurship as catalysts for transforming traditional economic sectors.
Commendation and Encouragement
Commending the graduates, Inuwa expressed great pride and congratulated the 13 founders for excelling in the program.
He encouraged them to sustain their determination and diligence in exploring the boundless innovative future that awaits them.
Addressing all participants, he acknowledged the gained knowledge as a valuable asset and emphasized the government’s recognition of digital innovation and entrepreneurship as transformational catalysts.
In his words; “ I highly commend the rigorous review phases today’s graduands passed through and it is with great pride that I congratulate the 13 founders who excelled at the programme.
“Your success in the programme is a clarion call for you to sustain the determination and diligence to gainfully explore the boundless innovative future that beckons at you.”
He continued; “To others who participated in the programme, the knowledge gained will remains yours as you have garnered new insights to prepare you for the challenges ahead.
I salute your courage in making it to the Accelerator programme. It is instructive that the federal government recognizes that digital innovation and entrepreneurship are major catalysts for the rapid transformation of traditional economic sectors by supporting the provision and adoption of indigenous and tailor-made solutions for the nationwide implementation of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding tech innovation ecosystem.”
Harnessing the Startup Act
In urging stakeholders to leverage the Nigeria Startup Act, Inuwa emphasized its favorable advantages, promising a better future for the growth, attraction, and protection of investment in tech startups and companies.
He called for collaborative efforts to diversify the economy and create opportunities for indigenous tech innovation enterprises.
NITDA’s Commitment to Growth
Assuring NITDA’s preparedness to address challenges faced by indigenous startups, Inuwa expressed the agency’s readiness to partner with local and international entities.
This collaboration aims to foster an environment conducive to growth and innovation within Nigeria’s tech sector.
Rigorous Review Phases
Throughout the program, participants underwent rigorous review phases, including Mentor Review sessions, Mentor Idea Review (MIR), Product Development sessions, and Mentor Progress Review (MPR) sessions.
These milestones reflect the dedication and progress achieved during the accelerator programme.
As the graduates embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, the nation anticipates a ripple effect of innovation and growth in the tech sector.
