Update

June Blog Post

This month at Startup Kano. Join the Ultimate Design Extravaganza in Kano! The Figma Config.   Get ready for the most exhilarating event of the year! Kano is buzzing with excitement as we host the highly anticipated Figma Config 2023 watch party! It’s your chance to immerse yourself in the world of design, connect with local creative minds, and be part of something extraordinary.  Ignite your passion for design as you indulge in a day filled with live sessions from the crème de la crème of design leaders. On  Thursday, 22 June 2023, 11:00–16:00 Witness their brilliance unfold before your eyes as they unveil groundbreaking insights, innovative techniques, and awe-inspiring creations. Prepare to be blown away by the sheer talent and expertise on display!  But that’s not all! The event is brimming with networking opportunities that will elevate your professional journey. Rub shoulders with like-minded designers, exchange ideas, and forge valuable connections that could pave the way for exciting collaborations. The design community in Kano is vibrant and thriving, and this watch party is your chance to become an integral part of it!  Indulge your taste buds with delectable, mouth-watering delights. We’ve got you covered with an array of complimentary food and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day. Savor the flavors, recharge your creativity, and immerse yourself in the event in the most delightful way possible.  As if that’s not enticing enough, there’s more! Prepare to be showered with exclusive Figma swag that will make you the envy of every designer. Show off your passion with pride as you rock stylish t-shirts, flaunt eye-catching stickers, and adorn your workspace with limited-edition merchandise. It’s time to celebrate your love for design in true style.  Hurry and secure your spot now! Tickets are free but limited, so make sure you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Head over to our registration page and reserve your place among the design elite in Kano.  Brace yourself for an unforgettable experience at the Figma Config 2023 watch party. Kano is ready to ignite your passion, fuel your creativity, and connect you with the design community like never before. We can’t wait to see you there—let’s make this an event to remember!  Introducing the stellar lineup of speakers for the highly anticipated talk show at the Glitz Fair!  Get ready for an engaging and insightful experience moderated by the talented Ameena Ikram, whose charismatic presence will set the stage for an unforgettable event. Leading the discussions will be industry experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience: Dan Tanko: A captivating speaker known for his astute observations and remarkable journey in the industry. Dan Tanko’s insights will leave you inspired and craving for more. Aysha Tofa: Prepare to be enthralled by Aysha Tofa’s expertise as she shares her wealth of experiences and unravels the secrets to her success. Her compelling stories will leave you captivated. Oga Wamball: A true industry luminary, Oga Wamball’s presence alone commands attention. With a wealth of experience under his belt, he will undoubtedly deliver profound insights that will leave you enlightened. Hashim Fatima Fouad: Prepare to be swept away by Hashim Fatima Fouad’s eloquence and unique perspective. Her vast experience and expertise promise to offer invaluable insights and fresh ideas. The Northern Therapist: With a deep understanding of the human psyche, The Northern Therapist brings a fresh and transformative approach to the discussion. Their expertise in the field of mental health will open your mind to new possibilities. Mubarak Kwankwaso: Mubarak Kwankwaso, a true visionary in the industry, will grace the stage with his wisdom and groundbreaking ideas. Prepare to have your perspectives challenged and expanded. Mark your calendars for the 8th Edition of the Glitz Fair, taking place on the 24th and 25th of June at the Afficent Grand Marquee, Magajin Rumfa Kano. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to join the conversation, gain invaluable insights, and be part of an engaging event that will leave you inspired. Get ready to be captivated by the brilliance of these industry experts! Find out more here Startup Kano is hiring! Do you have a tech skill? Have you worked on projects? Are you ready to start working with advanced teams? If your answer is YES, then kindly click the link below to fill the form to share your experience for immediate Hire.  PS: You must be based in Northern Nigeria.  Eligible candidates will be contacted via email.  Tech Power Graduates Soar to New Heights: Congratulations to the Digital Trailblazers of Blue Sapphire Hub. We are thrilled to  celebrate the graduation of Blue  Sapphire hubs  exceptional participants from the highly acclaimed tech power program. On Saturday, May 27th, the culmination of months of dedication, hard work, and a profound exploration of graphic design, digital marketing, and mobile app design took center stage as these talented graduates emerged as true professionals in their respective fields. It is with great pleasure and admiration that we extend our appreciation and heartfelt congratulations to these accomplished individuals. No celebration of achievement would be complete without recognizing the extraordinary instructors and mentors who have played an integral role in shaping these participants’ journeys. Their expertise, guidance, and relentless dedication have fostered an environment of growth, enabling these graduates to soar to new heights. As these talented individuals embark on their professional endeavors, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and passion that will undoubtedly propel them to thrive in the ever-evolving tech industry. This graduation marks not only an end but also a beginning—a commencement of a lifelong commitment to continuous learning and innovation. Blue Sapphire Hub’s Co-Creation Spectacle Ignites another Digital Transformation Journey in Kano Earlier this week, Kano state witnessed a remarkable two-day co-creation session, brimming with innovation and collaboration. In the heart of this transformative gathering, Blue Sapphire Hub’s Policy Innovation Center orchestrated an extraordinary event, captivating the minds of outstanding ecosystem players. The prestigious occasion attracted an illustrious lineup of esteemed participants. Dignitaries, such as the esteemed permanent secretaries from various

June Blog Post Read More »

The Month of May – PitchStar WFC

 Startup Kano Newsletter  Breaking Boundaries: Empowering Kano’s Creative Sector with UNDP Greetings, innovators and entrepreneurs! We’re thrilled to bring you the latest updates from Startup Kano, where creativity and innovation are flourishing in both technology and e-commerce. This month, we had the honor of hosting representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as they joined us in exploring how to empower Kano’s creative sector while preserving its unique cultural identity. Together, we embarked on an inspiring journey to transform Kano’s creative landscape and honor its rich heritage. Fostering Innovation and Cultural Richness  The visit by UNDP was a milestone for Startup Kano. We engaged with the vibrant community of creatives and innovators in Kano, discussing strategies and interventions to unlock the potential of the creative industry. With a focus on harnessing technology, we explored ways to enhance the sector and address the challenges it faces. Stay tuned for exciting developments and initiatives resulting from this collaboration! PitchStar WFC 1.0: Empowering Women Founders in Northern Nigeria  We’re thrilled to celebrate the success of our PitchStar WFC 1.0 program! Over the past weeks, 20 exceptional women founders underwent an intensive Pre-Incubation Program, equipping them with essential skills for their ventures. The Demo Day was a glorious finale, where the graduates showcased their groundbreaking business ideas. Connections were forged, collaborations were born, and dreams turned into reality. We congratulate the graduates and look forward to witnessing their achievements in the global startup ecosystem. CohereAIHack Hackathon: Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration  Step into the vibrant world of innovation and collaboration as we reflect on the CohereAIHack Hackathon! With the support of CohereAI, AI Saturday Lagos, and Arewa Data Science Academy, this remarkable event brought together 30 talented hackers from various locations. They harnessed the power of Cohere’s Multilingual Embeddings, pushing the boundaries of AI and creativity. The energy was palpable as teams worked tirelessly, both online and in person, to develop cutting-edge solutions. We celebrate their achievements and the lasting impact they have on Kano’s technology ecosystem. Nigeria’s Technological Advancement and Blockchain Policy  Nigeria’s commitment to technological advancement is evident with the approval of the National Blockchain Policy. This policy sets the stage for the development, innovation, and adoption of blockchain solutions across sectors, positioning Nigeria as a global force in the digital economy. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has been driving awareness and capacity development in blockchain, empowering young Nigerians with the skills to harness its power. Join us in celebrating this milestone and the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s technological landscape. Unlock Your Potential: Self-Evaluation Forms at Startup Kano  At Startup Kano, we believe in empowering our employees to reach new heights of productivity and creativity. That’s why we’ve introduced our cutting-edge self-evaluation forms, a game-changer in tracking progress and fueling personal growth. These forms serve as your compass, guiding you towards a fulfilling career journey. Set goals, assess your growth, and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. Together, we’ll maximize your potential and propel Startup Kano to new heights. Startup Feature: Sal’s Epiphany Studio  In this edition, we highlight the success story of Sal’s Epiphany Studio, founded by Salamatu Adamu. Salamatu, an alumna of Startup Kano’s PitchStar incubation program, shares her journey and growth. Sal’s Epiphany Studio harnesses technology and creativity to create stunning digital artwork and design solutions. Their work has garnered international recognition, and Salamatu’s entrepreneurial spirit is an inspiration to aspiring founders in Kano and beyond. Read the full feature on our website and be inspired by Sal’s Epiphany Studio’s remarkable journey. Call to Action: Join the Creative Revolution!  As Startup Kano continues to break boundaries and empower Kano’s creative sector, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Here’s how you can get involved: Stay connected: Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest news, events, and opportunities within the Kano startup ecosystem. Engage and collaborate: If you’re a creative entrepreneur, innovator, or technologist, reach out and explore collaboration opportunities. Together, we can amplify our impact and drive positive change. Attend our events: Keep an eye out for our upcoming events, workshops, and hackathons. Participate, learn, and network with like-minded individuals who are passionate about technology, innovation, and creativity. Support women founders: We’re committed to empowering women entrepreneurs in Northern Nigeria. If you’re interested in mentorship or investment opportunities, reach out to us and join us in supporting women-led startups. Volunteer or mentor: Share your expertise and make a difference in the Kano startup community. Whether you have technical skills, business acumen, or industry experience, your guidance can help aspiring entrepreneurs thrive. Together, let’s unlock the full potential of Kano’s creative sector, celebrate innovation, and build a thriving ecosystem that combines technology, culture, and entrepreneurship. Join the creative revolution today and be part of Kano’s journey towards a brighter future. Keep innovating, keep dreaming, and keep pushing boundaries! The Startup Kano Team

The Month of May – PitchStar WFC Read More »

April Newsletter – Showcase

The month of April at Startup kano. Dear valued community members, how was the Eid celebrations? May Allah reward all our acts of Ibadah. We hope this newsletter finds you in good spirits and good health. We have had a busy and exciting month, and we are thrilled to share with you some of the highlights. Firstly, we are thrilled to announce that Startup Kano is the state adoption lead for Kano state in the adoption of the Nigeria Startup Act. This act aims to address the challenges faced by startups and entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, providing them with access to funding, mentorship, and other essential resources. This is a game-changer for the startup and technology ecosystem in Nigeria, and we are excited to work together to build a brighter future for Nigeria’s startup community. Next is to announce the completion of the  Creative Economy Support Programme (CESP)by the  British council, brought to you by Sartup Kano and Wish society.  The CESP is divided into to categories, the craleative showcase and the creative hustle. The events showcased the amazing talents of artists in Kano.  The ‘Creative Showcase’ event, held on Monday, 24th April 2023, featured traditional performances that left the audience mesmerized. TheThe CESP aims to create opportunities for young people to earn a sustainable living from their creativity. Participants like Maryam Salisu Gwamna, an entrepreneur of traditional perfumes, expressed their excitement for the opportunity to showcase their products to new audiences. It’s exciting to see initiatives like this that celebrate Nigeria’s cultural heritage. The Creative Hustle seminar was held on Tuesday, 25th April 2023, with the theme “Reframing Disability and Ensuring Inclusion in the Creative Industry” at Sea Sweet & Bakery, Bompai, Kano. The event offers creatives the opportunity to gain awareness on the range of artistic and inartistic livelihood opportunities available across the creative value sector channels. Followed by an article by Eberechukwu from Technext. Aisha Tofa  founder at Startup Kano talks about her entrepreneurial journey and how Startup Kano has raised over $1 million in funding for various startups, including BRYCOAL, which produces cooking and heating fuel from organic waste. Despite facing resistance in a challenging environment, Aisha persevered and won the 2023 UN Feature Award for promoting innovation and technology for gender equality. Her success story is a source of inspiration for all of us at Start up Kano, aspiring entrepreneurs and women in the tech industry. We are also thrilled to announce that the Pitchstar Women founders cohort has been launched. The program will officially commence on the 2nd of May 2023. Our partnerships and collaborations. Startup Kano and Kano chronicle Join  hands to bring you this months Kano and the future if ecommerce episode. We had an exciting and informative Twitter Space episode on e-commerce payment gateway and business in Kano, Northern Nigeria, with the seasoned IT professional, Idris Muhammad Kabir. He had over 13 years of experience in various industries, making him a master of his craft. As a software engineer, Idris’s expertise in building scalable and fault-tolerant systems shone through as he shared his experiences with developing innovative fintech services, including zain pay.ng, zainmoni.ng, zain POS, and zain Microfinance Bank. In addition, We are thrilled to introduce the Creative Economy E-Learning Programme, designed to help aspiring young African entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses. With free online courses tailored to meet the needs of early-stage entrepreneurs, participants will learn from experienced mentors and industry experts. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of achievement, which can help them stand out in the job market and demonstrate their commitment to entrepreneurship. Government initiatives  Makoyar Fasaha Train-the-Trainer Program. we’re thrilled to see the effort being made to bridge the digital skills gap and create a more inclusive and equitable society. By providing female educators in Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano states with market-relevant digital skills training, this programme is empowering adolescent girls with the digital skills they need to succeed in the future. It’s a movement that is transforming the way girls learn and empowering them with the tools to break through barriers and reach their full potential. Also the Sokoto State government and seven donor agencies are supporting a cutting-edge digital literacy and livelihood skills training program for adolescent girls in Sokoto state. The program aims to unlock the potential of 50 resilient young girls who have endured unimaginable hardships but refuse to be defined by their past. That’s it for this month’s newsletter. We would like to thank everyone who participated in our events and made them a success. We are committed to continuing our efforts to empower and support entrepreneurs in Northern Nigeria. Stay tuned for more exciting news and events from Startup Kano. If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on all of our latest news and initiatives. Don’t forget to connect with us on all our social media platforms, follow @startupkano on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.  Keep liking and keep sharing. We appreciate your constant attention, please write to us @ emailfor any questions or suggestions. We would love to hear from you.

April Newsletter – Showcase Read More »