Ibom Air, in collaboration with other private sector sponsors, has aligned with the Ibom Innovation Network to support tech startups through the 2024 Akwa Ibom Tech Week Innovation Challenge. This initiative is designed to foster the development of local solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges, including those faced in the aviation sector.
The Innovation Challenge, which will attract tech startups from across Nigeria, is part of a broader effort to promote technological solutions that can drive economic growth and enhance various industries. One of the key areas of focus for this year’s challenge is the aviation industry, with Ibom Air taking the lead in addressing specific needs within the sector.
Speaking during a webinar hosted by the Ibom Innovation Network, Stanley Igwe, Group Manager of ICT at Ibom Air, discussed the airline’s interest in developing tech solutions that would improve the experience for passengers with disabilities. He called on startups to create innovations that would allow individuals with walking impairments to board Ibom Air aircraft with ease, reducing the current challenges they face.
“Ibom Air is one of the state’s flagship ventures, and we pride ourselves on maintaining world-class standards. We are looking forward to driving our operations with the latest innovations emerging from the tech sector. One particular challenge we need addressed is how to assist passengers with walking disabilities in boarding our aircraft more effortlessly,” Igwe said.
Aniekan Essienette, General Manager of Marketing and Communications for Ibom Air, reinforced the airline’s commitment to pioneering aviation in Nigeria through homegrown innovations. She announced the establishment of the Ibom Air Prize for Innovation as part of the Tech Week, emphasizing that the airline’s mission is to continuously lead in technology adoption and improvement in passenger experience.
The President of Ibom Innovation Network, Hanson Johnson, highlighted the importance of the 2024 Akwa Ibom Tech Week Innovation Challenge, describing it as an opportunity for the brightest minds in the tech ecosystem to solve pressing issues. Johnson underscored the initiative’s significance in empowering Nigerian youth, boosting economic growth, and positioning Akwa Ibom as a new tech destination in Africa.
“The Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024 Innovation Challenge is designed to bring our most innovative minds together to develop solutions that address real-world problems, fostering a resilient innovation ecosystem. This challenge reflects our commitment to empowering young people and positioning Akwa Ibom as Africa’s next big tech hub,” Johnson said.
Tech startups interested in participating in the challenge are encouraged to apply, with the goal of addressing local needs across industries in Nigeria, including aviation, hospitality, and engineering.
Co-planner of the Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024, Idongesit Essien, expressed gratitude to the sponsors, announcing that the prize pool for this year’s competition stands at N10 million. The funds were raised through partnerships with Ibom Air, Ubulu Africa, Hotels NG, Start Innovation Hub, Metikon Engineering, Victoria Ekanem Foundation, and Engineering Automation Technology Limited.
The Akwa Ibom Tech Week Innovation Challenge not only highlights the critical role of technology in solving local problems but also underscores the importance of collaboration between startups and established industries in creating sustainable solutions for the future.
