In awarding prizes for Innovation, BlossomNigeria commends the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), which has awarded the sum of $220,000 to three Nigerian startups that emerged as the top three finalists at the second edition of its NSIA Prize for Innovation.
The winners emerged after an assessment of pitches from the top 10 innovators to an expert panel of judges drawn from the business and technology eco-system at the Demo Day, held in Lagos recently.
Based on key metrics including market potential, team composition, traction, and the competitiveness of the solution proposed, Sycamore, a peer-to-peer lending fintech platform that leverages technology to connect lenders and borrowers, won the grand prize of $100,000.
Kunda Kids, an ed-tech media company focused on providing well-illustrated, engaging African-inspired digital content to children, parents, and libraries globally, followed closely at the second position with a combined prize value of $70,000 and PaveHQ, a learning and career ecosystem that supports students to achieve a successful career, came third with a total combined prize value of $50,000, bringing the total combined prize value to $220,000.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of NSIA, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, said, “The NSIA Prize for Innovation was conceptualised in recognition of the pivotal role that technology plays in shaping positive socio-economic outcomes, strengthening multiple sectors, significantly expanding opportunities across multiple sectors, and re-position home-grown talent for global relevance.
“Now in its second year, it has so far received commendable attention from the tech eco-system as the registration of credible start-ups across Nigeria to join the program has grown from 2,000 to over 7,000 entries within the current year.”
According to NSIA, all the 10 finalists will benefit from a five-week all-expense-paid training at Draper University, Silicon Valley United States of America to expand their horizons and potentially deliver solutions on global platforms.
The NSIA Prize for Innovation is the Authority’s multi-year commitment to identify and nurture early-stage innovative businesses within the tech ecosystem to create a sustainable positive impact.
Its mission is to play a leading role in driving sustained economic development for the benefit of all Nigerians through building a savings base for the Nigerian people, enhancing the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure, and providing stabilisation support in times of economic stress.
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority is a Nigerian government investment institution established by the Nigeria Sovereign Wealth Act, to manage and invest in a diversified portfolio of medium and long-term funds.
For en flott historie! Jeg er så glad for at du delte den. Dataene du ga var både praktiske og enkle å forstå. Din evne til å forenkle ellers vanskelige ideer er sterkt verdsatt. Enhver som er interessert i å lære mer om dette emnet vil dra stor nytte av å lese dette.
Thank you