Nigerian Start-Ups Qualify For Semifinal Pitch Competition At GITEX 2022

Nine Nigerian technology start-ups and innovators have advanced to the Supernova Challenge Pitch competition semifinals at the ongoing Gulf Information Technological Exhibition (GITEX) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

This was said in a statement released on Tuesday by Hadiza Umar, Head of Media and External Relations at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

North Star Dubai hosts the Supernova Challenge, the largest pitch competition in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, where companies have the chance to become the next unicorn and compete for up to $200,000 in cash awards.

Included among the startups were Identity Pass, 9JaCodeKids Academy, Floews, Medtech, Paddycover, Pricepally, LiveBic, Tachyon Technologies, and Wellness Health Technologies.

Prof. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy praised the businesses that have so far advanced past the competition's early rounds when opening the Nigerian pavilion.

Pantami expressed assurance that the group might advance to the finals and, hopefully, win the grand prize.

"Nigeria has been attending GITEX every year due to its tremendous advantages, and while these advantages are numerous, luring foreign direct investment is one of them.

“We have recorded significant milestones and great accomplishments in our bid to drive Nigeria’s economy digitally and our modest successes are verifiable.”

The minister added that the Federal Government had implemented a number of programmes, policies, and initiatives over the previous three years to enhance the Nigerian digital economy sector by establishing trust between the government and the tech ecosystem.

Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of NITDA, expressed confidence that the Nigerian team would triumph in the competition and solidify its position as a worldwide power.

In order to develop the required networks to further their trade, Inuwa recommended: "Tech innovators make sure they also learn, unlearn, and relearn by taking part in additional extracurricular events and conferences."

GITEX Global 2022 will serve as a gathering place for IT experts and fans.

The event serves as a catalyst for the Global Startup Movement, drawing the top venture capitalists, angel investors, and technology mentors in the world.

Nigerian startups are interacting with startups from various regions of Asia, Africa, and Europe to showcase their creative ideas to the globe and attract foreign investors to invest in the country's rapidly expanding digital economy.