CIED Bootcamp

From Fragmentation to Flow: How CIED is Powering Climate Innovation in Kano

Article, Programmes, Startup Kano Activities, Update /

As the Board Chair of Startup Kano, Aisha Tofa noted at the outset of the programme, “Today is not just about pitches. It is about possibility. It is about capital meeting opportunity… and shifting the narrative of Northern Nigeria, from untapped potential to activated opportunity.” She further emphasised the core intent behind the initiative: “CIED was designed… to move startups from potential to readiness and from readiness to investment.” This framing captures the essence of the Climate Innovation Ecosystem Development (CIED) Project, not simply as a programme, but as a system designed to connect ideas, structure, and capital in a way that enables real, scalable impact. Ecosystem Framing and Programme Launch​ Northern Nigeria has taken a deliberate step into the climate innovation space through the Climate Innovation Ecosystem Development (CIED) Project in Kano. Supported by PACE Nigeria and implemented by Startup Kano under the UK in Nigeria partnership, the CIED programme was designed as a structured ecosystem-building initiative that connected ideas to investment and impact. It did not function as a standalone training programme, but as a coordinated effort to build a climate innovation pipeline, one that supports startups from ideation through to investment readiness and scalable impact. At the core of the initiative was a recognition of a persistent challenge: many climate solutions fail not due to lack of innovation, but because the ecosystem around them is fragmented. While policies, funding opportunities, and support structures exist, they are often disconnected, making it difficult for startups to navigate the pathway from idea to implementation. The CIED programme was established to address this gap by intentionally building those missing linkages. Multi-Stakeholder Co-Creation and Policy Alignment​ The journey began with a multi-stakeholder roundtable and co-creation process that brought together government institutions, development partners, academia, innovators, and financial actors. Together, they worked to shape a practical toolkit that translates the Kano State climate change policy into actionable pathways for entrepreneurs. This process laid the foundation for stronger collaboration across the ecosystem and reinforced a shared commitment to making climate innovation work in practice, particularly for youth and women-led startups in Northern Nigeria. Pilot Cohort Selection and Venture Development Journey ​ At the centre of the programme was the 2026 CIED Pilot Cohort. Selected from a highly competitive pool of over 120 applicants in Kano, 13 climate innovators represented a diverse set of solutions focused on climate adaptation, clean energy, and waste management. Throughout the programme, they underwent an intensive journey of climate finance readiness, venture building, and investor engagement, equipping them with the skills and tools needed to access climate finance and scale their solutions within their communities. Bootcamp: Capacity Building, Finance Readiness and Systems Thinking The Climate Innovation Ecosystem Development Bootcamp served as the programme’s core capacity-building engine. Participants were guided through a structured progression that began with deep problem analysis using tools such as the Fishbone (Cause-and-Effect) Model and the 5 Whys technique. This ensured that solutions were grounded in real systemic issues rather than surface-level assumptions. They then moved into structured business model development using the Triple Layer Business Model Canvas, integrating economic viability, environmental responsibility, and social impact into a single coherent framework. This helped participants design startups that were not only financially sustainable but also environmentally responsible and socially relevant. As the programme progressed, participants engaged with Monitoring & Evaluation systems, ESG frameworks, and Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) concepts. These elements strengthened their ability to measure impact, align with investor expectations, and understand how behavioural dynamics influence climate outcomes. They also explored climate risk and sustainability exposure, gaining insight into how physical and transitional climate risks affect business survival, regulatory compliance, and long-term investment readiness. A strong emphasis was also placed on climate finance, where participants learned how funding flows within the climate ecosystem, how investment decisions are made, and how startups can position themselves to access available opportunities within Nigeria’s evolving climate finance landscape. Across all these layers, the programme contributed to the formation of a more structured ecosystem, one that connects policy to practice, innovation to finance, and ideas to implementation. Startup Reflections and Learning Outcomes Insights gathered from participating startups further reinforce the programme’s impact beyond the structured sessions and Demo Day outcomes. Reflecting on their experience through post-programme feedback, Her Ecospace, which emerged as the overall winner, described the programme as “an intensive, eye-opening journey that bridged the gap between traditional business modelling and climate-conscious entrepreneurship.” The team noted that it “provided a structured environment to refine our mission of turning waste into value,” highlighting the clarity and direction gained throughout the process. They further emphasised the transformative shift in their approach, stating that “the transition from a traditional Business Model Canvas (BMC) to a Triple Layered Business Model Canvas (TLBMC) was transformative,” alongside gaining “deep insights into ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards and Empathy Mapping.” This, they explained, enabled them to understand better both their community and the environmental implications of their work. Reflecting on the broader impact, they noted that “the programme significantly sharpened our focus at Her EcoSpace,” helping them move beyond simply “making products” to understanding their role within “a broader climate-ready ecosystem,” with a clearer roadmap for scalability and resilience. They also highlighted the climate readiness sessions as particularly impactful, noting that facilitators effectively translated complex global climate goals into practical, locally relevant actions, while suggesting that more hands-on sessions on navigating Nigeria’s green finance landscape could further strengthen future cohorts. Similarly, Beta Agric (Bera Tomato), which secured second place at the Demo Day, described the programme as “a very integral and rigorous training program that challenges thought processes and facilitates structured and strategic planning for overall business growth and climate alignment.” A major takeaway for the team was “our TLBMC design,” which has become central to their operations. They further explained that the programme helped bring their climate-smart business model to life and guided them in “creating, enacting and implementing our ESG policy, ensuring that it guides our operations. ”Reflecting on their experience, they noted

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Innovation and Empowerment: From Community Conversations to Policy Action for Women and Entrepreneurs

Startup Kano Activities, Update /

Eid Mubarak to our community, may this special season bring peace, joy, and renewed hope to you and your loved ones as we reflect on a meaningful and eventful March. The month marked an exciting moment for Kano’s growing innovation ecosystem. Over the month, founders, innovators, policymakers, and advocates gathered for a series of events reflecting a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and opportunity-driven economy. These conversations unfolded across community gatherings, technology discussions, and policy dialogue, each naturally flowing into the next. Together, they highlighted how collaboration, innovation, and public policy can shape the future of economic participation in Kano. The activities also took place alongside the Climate Innovation Ecosystem Development (CIED) Program at Startup Kano, which is equipping innovators with the tools and knowledge needed to build solutions that address climate and economic challenges. March is a month to celebrate our amazing and wonderful women, a time when community members and advocates come together to recognize their achievements and reflect on the importance of expanding opportunities for women and girls. The atmosphere is both celebratory and thoughtful, with conversations centered on empowerment, mentorship, and the need to create spaces where women can thrive in entrepreneurship, technology, and other emerging sectors. It serves as a powerful reminder that strengthening women’s participation in the economy is essential for broader social and economic development. Building on this energy, participants delved into the role of women driving innovation and leadership within the tech sector during the “Break the Pattern” event organized by Women Techmakers in collaboration with Technovation. Women Techmakers is a global initiative focused on creating inclusive spaces where women can learn, connect, and build careers in technology. In Kano, it plays a growing role within the local tech ecosystem through events like International Women’s Day, hands-on workshops, and mentorship sessions, supporting women at different stages, from beginners to professionals. Beyond events, its impact in Kano is seen in how it encourages more women in Northern Nigeria to step into tech, builds confidence through visibility and shared experiences, and contributes to a more diverse and supportive innovation ecosystem in the region. The event focused on redefining how women build, collaborate, and leadwithin the tech ecosystem. Through keynote presentations and panel discussions, speakers explored the barriers women often face in the industry while highlighting the opportunities that exist for women to thrive as innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Participants shared experiences about navigating the tech industry and emphasized the importance of building supportive communities that encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM fields. In regions where women remain underrepresented in technology, conversations like these play an important role in inspiring the next generation of innovators. As discussions around innovation and entrepreneurship continued throughout the month, the ecosystem shifted into a more informal but equally important space for connection. Entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts later gathered for the “Biggest Kano’s Founders Iftar – March Edition,” organized by Founders Friday at Blue Sapphire Hub. Held during Ramadan, the gathering provided founders with the opportunity to break their fast together while exchanging ideas and building relationships within Kano’s growing startup community. In many ways, the event reflected the collaborative spirit of the ecosystem itself. Conversations ranged from startup challenges to opportunities for partnerships and investment. Informal networking spaces like this often play a crucial role in building strong innovation ecosystems, allowing entrepreneurs to connect beyond structured programs and explore collaborations that may lead to future ventures. For participants in the Climate Innovation Ecosystem Development (CIED) Program, these engagements complemented the learning taking place within the bootcamp. The program focuses on supporting innovators working on climate-related solutions while helping them develop skills in startup development, ecosystem building, and climate finance. By equipping innovators with practical knowledge and entrepreneurial tools, the program is helping cultivate a new generation of founders who are building solutions that respond to both environmental and economic challenges. Cavemen Africa also released their Ramadan series, Ashabul Kahfi, a reflective conversation series where they sit with entrepreneurs and business owners to explore how faith shapes their journeys. Through these conversations, the series highlights how personal beliefs influence decision-making, guide the way leaders approach their work, and shape how they build and lead their businesses. One of the featured conversations is with Aisha Tofa, Board Chair of Startup Kano, who reflects on how faith informs leadership, purpose, and the responsibility of supporting communities that nurture innovation and entrepreneurship. Amid these activities, an important milestone for women’s economic participation in the state was the launch of the Kano Women’s Economic Empowerment (KANOWEE) Policy, a five-year roadmap designed to unlock the economic potential of women and girls across Kano. Alongsidethe policy launch, KANOWEE also published a book titled “Imani da Kwazo a Kasuwanci”, which celebrates businesswomen who have made their mark and continue to do so, highlighting both historical figures and contemporary trailblazers. The policy, which covers the period from 2025 to 2029, aims to create an enabling environment where women can actively participate in both the formal and informal economy while improving their livelihoods and economic resilience. By coordinating various women-focused economic initiatives under one framework, the policy seeks to ensure that no woman in Kano is left behind. The need for such a policy is particularly significant in a state like Kano, which, according to 2024 projections, has a population of over 16 million, nearly half of whom are female. Women already contribute significantly to agriculture, trade, and household income, yet they often face systemic barriers, including limited access to capital, low land ownership, lack of collateral for loans, and limited digital literacy. Social expectations and unpaid domestic labor also continue to restrict economic opportunities for many women. The KANOWEE policy addresses these realities by focusing on priority groups that are often most vulnerable, including poor and vulnerable women, out-of-school girls, women entrepreneurs in the informal sector, women and girls with disabilities, survivors of gender-based violence, and women affected by disasters or humanitarian crises. To support these groups, the policy is built around five

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The Math of Sustainability Towards Net Zero

Programmes, Startup Kano Activities /

As we progress in the Climate Innovation Ecosystem Development (CIED) Program, the focus shifts from momentum to depth. This stage of the journey is about strengthening structure, sharpening clarity, and ensuring that every idea being developed is built on a solid and intentional foundation. Participants are challenged to think more critically, design more strategically, and align their ventures with long-term impact. The focus during this phase is on strengthening participants’ thinking, design, and structuring of their climate ventures. The learning begins with structured problem-analysis tools, specifically the Fishbone (Cause-and-Effect) Model and the 5 Whys technique. These frameworks guide participants in systematically diagnosing climate-related challenges before designing or scaling solutions. Through the Fishbone Model, the participants are categorizing potential causes such as operational inefficiencies, resource constraints, policy limitations, technological gaps, behavioral patterns, and environmental factors. The 5 Whys technique strengthens this analysis by encouraging iterative questioning to uncover deeper systemic root causes rather than symptoms. Following this investigation, Domain Definition enables participants to clearly define the specific problem domain, the boundaries of their solution space, the stakeholders involved, and the broader environmental and economic context. This ensures that every climate solution is built on validated, well-understood problems grounded in rigorous analysis. Rather than rushing into refining solutions, participants pause to examine the systems behind the problems critically. They ask deeper questions, explore contributing factors, and challenge their own assumptions. This stage ensures that every business idea moving forward is anchored in evidence and clarity, not guesswork. With this clarity established, the focus shifts to structured business design using the Economic Business Model Canvas (BMC). Participants map out their Customer Segments, Value Propositions, Revenue Streams, Cost Structure, Key Activities, and Key Partners. This process strengthens their understanding of financial viability and ensures their ventures are economically sustainable. Facilitated feedback and peer learning encourage founders to refine their cost assumptions, examine the realism of their revenue streams, and ensure that their value propositions clearly align with the needs of their identified customers. The goal remains clear: a climate-focused startup must also be a financially sound business. The session then expands to the Environmental Layer of the Business Model Canvas, where startups assess Resource Inputs, Energy Use, Waste Generation, Emissions, Environmental Footprint, and Lifecycle Impact. This stage emphasizes aligning business operations with measurable environmental responsibility. Participants are encouraged to think beyond good intentions and examine the actual environmental implications of their models. They explore how materials are sourced, how energy is consumed, what waste is produced, and how their solutions create positive environmental outcomes. This strengthens the connection between their climate mission and their operational design. Finally, participants integrate the Social Layer of the Triple Layer Business Model Canvas, focusing on Stakeholder Mapping, Social Value Creation, Community Impact, Employment Generation, Ethical Considerations, and Risk Mitigation. They are guided to connect all three layers: economic, environmental, and social, into one coherent model. At this stage, the emphasis is on integration. Founders are encouraged to see their startups as interconnected systems where profitability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility reinforce one another. The exercise helps participants build ventures that are not only viable and climate-aligned, but also inclusive and community-conscious. By the end of this phase, participants have developed structured, climate-smart business models rooted in analysis, strengthened by financial logic, aligned with environmental goals, and responsive to social realities. It marks meaningful progress in the CIED journey, transforming ideas into integrated systems designed for sustainable impact.  

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