Policymakers, industry chief executives, investors, development partners, financial institutions, leading innovators and thought leaders across the local and global technology ecosystem are set to explore and unlock opportunities within Nigeria’s technology and telecommunications ecosystem, with a strong focus on advancing sustainability at the Innovators Makers Challenge (IMC) Conference & Innovation Exhibition in Lagos.
The IMC 2.0 Conference & Innovation Exhibition, organised by the Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG), is scheduled to take place on September 24, 2026, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Sponsored by IHS Nigeria, the IMC 2.0 Conference and Innovation Exhibition has an expanded scope aimed at identifying, supporting and accelerating innovative solutions across multiple sectors that contribute to sustainable development and national competitiveness.
The sectors covered include AgriTech, EnergyTech, HealthTech, FinTech, Water Solution Technology, Waste and ClimateTech, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation, Education, Infrastructure and Smart Cities, Creative Industries, Digital Governance and Civic Technology, Logistics and Mobility, as well as other technology-enabled sectors driving economic growth and social impact.
Lead Consultant at the TTSWG Secretariat, Bankole Oloruntoba, explained that the expanded mandate is focused on accelerating solutions across healthtech, fintech, agritech, climatetech, AI, manufacturing, education, infrastructure, creative industries, digital governance and other technology-enabled sectors with proven market validation and measurable economic, social and environmental impact.
According to Oloruntoba, this year’s programme includes the ongoing Go-to-Talent Competition, which is open to young Nigerian innovators and entrepreneurs aged 18–35, growth-stage startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as technology and sustainability startups.
Other components of the programme include the IMC Bootcamp, a three-day mentorship programme featuring modules on business development, team building, finance and pitching; the Innovation Exhibition, which will feature startups and matured companies; and Business Clinics, providing legal and business consulting booths.
He said the Innovation Exhibition will feature more than 20 startups, technology firms, research projects and development organisations showcasing breakthrough solutions aimed at advancing sustainable development.
Oloruntoba added that the IMC Quest Pitch Competition will be a major highlight of the conference. The competition will see the top five growth-stage startups from the IMC Bootcamp pitch their ideas before a panel of judges, who will select the winners at the conference.
The top three winners will receive a combined N9.2 million in seed capital, with N7 million going to the winner, N1.2 million to the first runner-up and N1 million to the second runner-up.
He further disclosed that, to ensure accountability, maximise investment outcomes and support long-term business growth, all winning startups will participate in a structured six-month post-competition incubation programme.
Other key highlights of the 2026 Conference and Exhibition include the launch of the Telecommunication and Technology Citizenship Awareness Roadmap (TATCAR) 2023–2026, which captures key updates and best practices driving responsible growth in the sector.
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