03/05/2024
Nigerian Startups win $32,500 at Global Cleantech Innovation Awards
In a ceremony held at the Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, on Thursday, April 25, 2024, four Nigerian startups emerged victorious at the UNIDO/GEF Global Cleantech Innovation Awards, taking home a total of $32,500 in prize money.
Enohim Ukpebor of E-Sam Energy Solutions Limited won the award for Best Climate Mitigation Startup and $5,000, while Folmi Sidiket took home the Best Female-Led Startup award for Cohort 2 and $5,000. E-Sam Energy Solutions also won $5,000 as the second runner-up, while Victor Komolafe won $7,500 as the first runner-up for Cohort 2. Henry Lamba, whose solution focused on water purification for rural areas in Kano, emerged as the overall winner, taking home $10,000.
The event, organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aimed to promote clean energy technologies and sustainable development in Nigeria. The awards recognized innovative startups that have made significant contributions to the cleantech sector, with a focus on gender mainstreaming and women's empowerment.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Chief Uche Nnaji, emphasized the importance of clean energy technologies in driving socio-economic development in Nigeria. He commended the efforts of UNIDO, GEF, and other partners for their support in promoting cleantech innovation in the country.
The event also featured announcements from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Co-Creation Hub, highlighting their commitment to supporting innovative SMEs and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.