Ekiti and Innovate UK Launch Second Edition of £7,000 Young Innovators Program. Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa, in collaboration with the Ekiti State Government, has unveiled the second edition of the Young Innovators Programme.
This year’s edition will emphasise sustainable innovation and practical solutions to local challenges. Designed to inspire and support the next generation of innovators, the programme offers the winner £7,000 to access innovation support, including mentorship, training, and startup capital.
The initiative aligns with the goals of Ekiti’s Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy (MISDE) and Innovate UK’s broader strategy to promote economic development and technological advancement in the state.
“We are thrilled to announce the return of the Young Innovators Programme, building on the success of last year’s edition. We anticipate an even better programme this year,” said Joshua Adedeji, Innovate UK country lead.
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“Our commitment remains steadfast: to empower young innovators in Ekiti State by providing them with the essential resources and support needed to turn their groundbreaking ideas into reality,” he added.
This collaborative effort highlights the dedication of both organisations to foster a culture of innovation that transcends competition and inspires continuous growth and development in local communities.
The programme will be co-designed to address the unique needs of young innovators in Ekiti State, featuring a comprehensive selection process, interactive workshops, and mentoring sessions. By involving industry experts, educational institutions, and past participants, the programme aims to create a dynamic and supportive environment for innovation development.
Seun Fakuade, Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy, recently visited the Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa office in Nigeria to finalise plans for the programme. This visit underscored the commitment of both organisations to foster a robust innovation ecosystem in Ekiti State through the Innovate UK Place-Based Innovation (PBI) initiative.
PBI leverages UK and pan-African expertise, networks, and resources to build capacity for local innovation ecosystem players, driving stronger, more sustainable, and more inclusive local ecosystems.
“The first edition of the Young Innovators Programme was a tremendous success, with 10 innovators in the cohort,” Fakuade said. “The top three innovators, Odunola Olabintan of Health City, Yomi Adetunji of RISE (Rice Inventory Storage Exchange), and Mayowa Olajide of Motivar, took home a total of £5,000 in prizes. This year, we are raising the stakes with a £7,000 prize to further encourage and reward the innovative spirit among our youth.”
Applications are now open, and interested participants can visit https://yip.innovateekiti.com/ to apply.
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