About - Ibom Innovation Network

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Ibom Innovation Network

Ibom Innovation Network is a community of innovators who drive the technology ecosystem in Akwa Ibom State. We represent residents practicing tech in the state and indigenes operating in the tech space across Nigeria and in diaspora. We focus on Innovation, Technology Development, Entrepreneurship, Capacity Building and Policy Advocacy.

Our Mission

To support local entrepreneurs and innovators to create products and services that will stimulate economic growth in Akwa Ibom State through advocacy, capacity building and access to funding

Our Vision

The Akwa Ibom of our dreams. A smart city with a thriving innovation ecosystem driven by local content and indigenous participation.

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Photo Credit: Ime Umoh

The Tech Journey in Akwa Ibom

Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, has long been known for its beautiful scenery and friendly people. But in recent years, the city has also become a hotbed of tech innovation.

The Genesis of Uyo’s Tech Scene

The tech scene in Akwa Ibom can be traced back to 2011 when Hanson Johnson, a key player, entered the picture. At that time, the prospects for tech in the region seemed bleak, with software developers working in isolation. Hanson took the initiative to start a Google Technology User Group (GTUG) now Google Developer Group (GDG) in Uyo, initially holding meetings in his office. As the community grew, they had to relocate to a larger space, the Ibom e-Library.

Hanson noticed something else during this time, the lack of opportunities for talent in the state capital. This inspired him to establish Start Innovation Hub (SIH), a platform where individuals could acquire the skills needed to build successful products and businesses. SIH was officially incorporated in May 2014 and has since achieved remarkable success. They have partnered with global organizations like Google and Facebook to develop the ecosystem. Trained over 1,000 software developers, linked them to global opportunities and deployed some as facilitators in Andela’s Learning Community program, powered by Google etc

Balanced Participation and Continued Growth

Recognizing the need to further boost Uyo’s tech scene, the government partnered with Hotels.ng in 2017 to run an internship program, HNG Internship on software development for youths in the state. This program, based on a successful model, is still ongoing, with the finalist event this year coinciding with the Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2023.

In addition to SIH, other innovation hubs have emerged in Uyo. Root Hub, founded in 2014 by twin brothers Tony and Francis Onuk, was one of the first. Today, there are over seven major hubs in the city, including KodeHauz, Africinnovate, FutureLabs, Fhenix, LAskill, The Bunker, and many more.

The tech journey in Akwa Ibom is thriving, with a growing community, supportive government initiatives, and multiple innovation hubs. Uyo is becoming a hub of technological innovation and talent, contributing to the overall development of the state.