Ini Billie, Uyo
Ibom Air has launched an innovative challenge in partnership with Ibom Innovation Network, organizers of Akwa Ibom Tech Week for prize money worth N10 million.
The challenge seeks to encourage innovation using technology to solve Nigeria’s economic problems, and winners will be unveiled during the Akwa Ibom Tech Week slated for October 28 and November 2, 2024, in Uyo.
The challenge is focused on five thematic areas: Accessible Mobility Solutions for Wheelchair Users in Aviation, Energy Transition, Hardware Innovation Made in Akwa Ibom, Cost-Effective Population Census in Akwa Ibom State, and Innovative AI-Powered Tourism Solutions.
Speaking on Thursday in Uyo during the launch of the challenge, the President of Ibom Innovation Network (IIN), and CEO, Start Innovation Hub, Mr Hanson Johnson, said it was a forum for bright minds to develop and present solutions to existing problems that would promote and grow the nation’s tech ecosystem starting from Akwa Ibom.
“The Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024 Innovation Challenge is more than just a competition; it’s a catalyst for change. We’re challenging our brightest minds to develop solutions that address real-world problems, fostering a resilient innovation ecosystem.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering youth, driving economic growth, and positioning Akwa Ibom as Africa’s New Tech Destination,” he stated.
He explained that Start Innovation Hub was sponsoring the challenge for tech-savvy youths to design and develop an AI-powered tourism solution that will enable tourists to stay updated on tourism activities from the day they arrive in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and prompted activities for them to subscribe to be guided throughout their stay.
Speaking on the partnership, the General Manager of Marketing and Communications, Ibom Air, Mrs Aniekan Essienette said the company seeks to solve the problem mobility wheelchair users usually encounter when boarding smaller aircraft like the CRJ 900 during the challenge.
Essienette mentioned that the narrow steps of the CRJ900 aircraft make the boarding process uncomfortable and unedignified for wheelchair users who have to rely on airport staff to board the plane, and move around the airport premises.
“This challenge invites innovators to develop solutions that improve accessibility for wheelchair users boarding small aircraft, especially those with narrow steps. The goal is to rethink the boarding process, prioritizing safety, dignity, and efficiency,” she said.
The Group Manager, ICT, Ibom Air, Mr Stanley Igwe said the company will promote and reward local innovators through the challenge, and hopes to sustain the relationship.
On his part, Chief Executive Officer, Metikon Engineering, Dr Odiong Akpan, sponsoring the challenge on Energy Transition said Nigeria’s struggle to transition from inefficient, fossil fuel-dependent energy systems to sustainable, modern alternatives necessitated the challenge.
“The country faces significant energy inefficiencies, with outdated infrastructure leading to chronic power shortages and wasteful consumption. Moreover, reliance on conventional energy materials and fossil fuels in transportation contributes to pollution and high greenhouse gas emissions.
“Innovation is needed in four key areas: smart sockets to optimize energy usage, advanced energy materials for renewable energy solutions, e-mobility to reduce fossil fuel reliance in transport, and biofuel production to harness Nigeria’s vast agricultural resources for clean energy,” he explained.
Publicity lead of the event and Co-founder, Optics and Matrix, Mr Idongesit Essien, said the tech week seeks to position Akwa Ibom State as Africa’s new tech destination, adding that the innovation challenge has increased the stakes of the annual programme.
While thanking the challenge sponsors: Ibom Air, Ubulu Africa, Hotels NG, Start Innovation Hub, Metikon Engineering, Victoria Ekanem Foundation and Engineering Automation Technology Ltd, Essien said the goal of stakeholders is to make use of local talents to build solutions to local problems.