Three innovative Nigerian startups have secured a total of N24 million to scale their impactful solutions after being crowned winners of the TotalEnergies Startupper Challenge 2024. These startups emerged victorious from a pool of 100 participants selected from 32 African countries in this year’s competition.
Grand Finale in Lagos: A Celebration of Innovation
At the grand finale event held in Lagos, each winning startup was awarded N8 million to further develop their groundbreaking projects. The event showcased the creativity and problem-solving skills of young entrepreneurs committed to making a difference in their communities and beyond.
The Winning Startups
1. Waste2light – Powering the Future with Renewable Energy
Led by Emmanuel Abah, Waste2light converts plastic waste into components for 3D-printed wind and hydro systems to produce electricity from renewable sources. Abah’s innovative solution earned him the top spot in the “Power Up” category, dedicated to energy generation and sustainability.
2. Coconto – Revolutionizing the Coconut Value Chain
Jacob Abiodun’s Coconto is transforming the coconut industry by focusing on recycling and maximizing the value chain for sustainability. His recycling venture won the “Cycle Up” category, which highlights the best circular economy project.
3. Farmci – Preserving Agriculture with Solar Power
Farmci, led by Yakubu Temtope, developed Interkool, a portable solar-powered system designed to preserve and transport agricultural produce. Temtope was recognized in the “Innov Up” category for this cutting-edge solution to food preservation challenges.
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs
Dr. Matthieu Bouyer, Country Chair of TotalEnergies Nigeria, highlighted the goal of the Startupper Challenge’s fourth edition: to boost local economies and cultivate a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Bouyer emphasized that this initiative provides youth with the mentorship and resources needed to thrive.
Selection Criteria: Innovation, Feasibility, and Impact
A jury of industry experts and successful entrepreneurs carefully selected the winners based on the innovation, feasibility, and development potential of their solutions. The projects were also evaluated for their alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring they addressed critical global challenges.
TotalEnergies’ Commitment to Social Impact
TotalEnergies reaffirmed its commitment to community engagement through this competition, supporting projects in health, education, and environmental conservation. The company’s backing of creative young entrepreneurs reflects its dedication to fostering socio-economic growth and encouraging sustainable innovation across the regions where it operates.
A Growing Spirit of Innovation in Africa
Mrs. Adesua Adewale, General Manager of TotalEnergies Country Services, noted the increasing enthusiasm among young African entrepreneurs. With applications growing from 11,000 in the first edition to 14,000 in the fourth, including 1,500 from Nigeria alone, Adewale remarked on the rising interest among youth to innovate responsibly and build impactful ventures.
Training for Sustainable Growth
The three winners will now embark on a three-month training program designed to help them effectively use the N8 million in funding to scale their businesses. The Startupper Challenge targets startups less than three years old and pioneering ideas with the potential to make positive contributions to their communities and the planet.
Source: InnovationVillage