The convener of the Ibadan Startup Festival, Mr. David Adeleke, has unveiled plans for this year’s event, promising a larger and more impactful edition aimed at empowering innovation and accelerating growth in Ibadan’s tech and business ecosystem.
Speaking during an interview, Adeleke emphasized the festival’s key objectives: “The first thing is to put Ibadan in the spotlight, especially for founders who are grinding their nights and working tirelessly. They deserve to be voiced out.” He also noted the festival’s mission to attract investors, adding, “You don’t have to be in Lagos to be good. Ibadan is also a good spot.”
According to Adeleke, this year’s edition will be significantly larger than previous ones. “It’s a bigger one. We have more partners, more funds, and more opportunities,” he said. Unlike last year, which featured nine speakers, this year will host over 54 speakers, with three stages running concurrently throughout the two-day event.
One of the key highlights is the startup stage, where founders will pitch their ideas for cash prizes, investments, and grants. “We’ve been able to diversify the ecosystem in terms of our topics. We don’t want to streamline it to just tech; we’re cutting across different sectors,” Adeleke explained, signaling the event’s broader focus on innovation beyond technology.
Adeleke also announced partnerships with major companies offering substantial opportunities for local startups. These include a $10,000 grant for nearly 30 startups, a four-month accelerator program, and potential follow-up investments of $250,000. Additionally, participants can look forward to cash prizes and extensive networking opportunities.
The festival will feature masterclasses aimed at equipping founders with the skills they need to scale their ventures. “There’s a masterclass for founders to learn, and there’s also room for networking,” Adeleke said, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the event.
Now in its third edition, the Ibadan Startup Festival will take place on November 29 and 30, 2024, at the University of Ibadan International Conference Center. Themed Empowering Innovation and Accelerating Growth, the festival seeks to transform Ibadan into a leading hub for innovation and investment.
This year’s expanded format, combined with its commitment to highlighting local talent, signals a new era for Ibadan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, challenging the dominance of Lagos as Nigeria’s tech capital.
Report by JEDIDAH OGIDI for Ibadancity ANNOUNCER.
