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Nine Nigerian startups have reached the semi-finals of the prestigious Supernova Challenge Pitch Competition at the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) 2022 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. These startups—Identity Pass, 9JaCodeKids Academy, Floews, Medtech, Paddycover, Pricepally, LiveBic, Technyon Technologies, and Wellness Health Technologies—will compete for up to $200,000 in cash prizes.
The Supernova Challenge is the largest pitch competition in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, providing startups with a platform to showcase their innovations and compete for the chance to become the next unicorn.
Inaugurating the Nigerian pavilion at the event, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, praised the startups for their outstanding performance in the preliminary stages. He expressed confidence in their ability to advance to the finals and potentially win the top prize.
“Nigeria has consistently participated in GITEX because of its immense benefits, including attracting foreign direct investment. Our startups have demonstrated remarkable creativity, and I am confident they will make the country proud,” Pantami stated.
The minister was joined by key government officials, including the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa; the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta; and the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Aziz.
Kashifu Inuwa echoed Pantami’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the global platform to not only compete but also network and gain valuable insights. He urged the startups to “learn, unlearn, and relearn” by participating in sideline events and conferences to enhance their skills and innovation strategies.
GITEX 2022 serves as a global hub for technology professionals, mentors, investors, and enthusiasts, attracting participants from Asia, Africa, and Europe. Nigerian startups are seizing the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas, build strategic partnerships, and attract investments to Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.
