Celebrating Sustainable Innovation: Ekiti Young Innovators Programme Awards Spotlight Local Changemakers

The awards ceremony, a collaborative effort by Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa, and the Ekiti State Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy (MISDE), celebrated the achievements of young visionaries selected from a pool of over 360 applicants. The event underscores the programme’s mission: nurturing groundbreaking ideas to tackle pressing local priorities in Ekiti State.

Driving change through place-based innovation

The Young Innovators programme is a flagship initiative of the Place-Based Innovation (PBI) intervention in Ekiti State. It empowers young talents to address real-world challenges with practical, sustainable solutions, aligning with the broader agenda of MISDE and Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa to foster economic growth and technological progress.

In its second edition, YIP focused on sustainable innovation, emphasising clean energy, the circular economy, and clean-tech advancements. Following an intense series of training, mentorship, and pitch presentations, five standout innovators earned recognition for their impactful solutions.

The awards: Empowering change

Winners were celebrated not just for their ingenuity but also for their potential to create lasting community impact. Each received:

• A £7,000 cash prize to propel their ventures forward.
• Access to comprehensive innovation support, including mentorship, training, and startup capital.

This combination of financial and developmental resources equips the innovators to scale their ideas, inspire others, and contribute to Ekiti State’s sustainability goals.

Meet the innovators lighting the way

The winning innovations include:

• Mckodev Smart Things (MST): Harnessing IoT solutions to optimize resource management in households and businesses.
• PoshFill: Revolutionising waste management with eco-friendly materials and sustainable product designs.
• SmileSuperheroes: Enhancing health and education access through digital platforms.
• Green-Bricks Clean-tech: Transforming waste into durable building materials for sustainable construction.
• Beame Logistics: Using technology to streamline last-mile delivery while reducing environmental footprints.

Why it matters?

The YIP isn’t just about innovation – it’s about empowerment. By fostering the next generation of change makers, the programme demonstrates the transformative power of young minds in driving real-world solutions. It also sets the stage for a ripple effect, as these innovators inspire others in their communities to envision and build a brighter, more sustainable future.

Ekiti State’s path to progress

The impact of Place-Based Innovation in Ekiti State continues to grow, with programmes like YIP spotlighting the region as a hub for creativity, resilience, and progress. Through initiatives like these, Ekiti is becoming a model for how targeted support and strategic partnerships can unlock the potential of youth to shape a sustainable tomorrow.

Get inspired

The future of Ekiti State looks brighter, thanks to these innovative trailblazers. Their stories remind us that the solutions to today’s challenges lie in the hands of those willing to think differently and act boldly.

Ready to meet the winners? Stay tuned as we dive into their incredible journeys and the game-changing ideas that earned them the spotlight!

About Global Alliance Africa

Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa will build new and stronger UK-African partnerships to maximise the creation of inclusive market access, funding and investment opportunities through innovation knowledge transfer. Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa is a six-year project funded by UK International Development through GCRF and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

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