Startup Kano

June – Last Month of H1

Newletter, Update /

June has been a vibrant month filled with productive engagements, workshops, and collaborative visits. As we embrace the new month, let’s look back at the significant activities that have shaped our journey in the last month of H1. Zainpay Academy Visit We kicked off the month with an insightful visit to Beta Stack’s Zainpay Academy on June 11th, where we explored opportunities for collaboration with software developers. Zainpay Academy, known for its innovative solutions, introduced us to their system designed to streamline the disbursement of payments and scheduling on a single platform. The visit opened doors for potential partnerships and enhancements in our operational processes. Online Stakeholders Engagement Session on the Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs (DSE) Course Also on June 11th, we were invited to the online stakeholders engagement session focused on the Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs (DSE) course. This session proved to be highly impactful, with over 100 stakeholders participating and staying engaged throughout the proceedings. The discussion centered around improving digital literacy for entrepreneurs and gathering feedback to refine the DSE course. Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs (DSE) Course – Validation and Contextualisation Workshop From June 24th to 28th, we participated in the DSE Course Validation and Contextualisation Workshop. This event was dedicated to validating and contextualizing the curriculum for the Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs course, particularly focusing on women and youth-owned MSMEs. Key objectives included: Co-creating the DSE training course and methodology with stakeholders. Reviewing and validating the curriculum to improve digital literacy and skills for MSMEs. Aligning the curriculum with Nigerian industry standards and digital trends. Establishing a state-based steering community to support the rollout of the DSE course. The workshop successfully produced validated, user-centered training formats, enhancing women’s skills in using digital solutions for their economic activities. The Watch Party by Config, Hosted by Friends of Figma Kano We closed the month with the highly anticipated Watch Party by Config on June 29th. Hosted by Friends of Figma Kano at eHealth Africa, this conference brought together the brightest minds in design and development. Over two days, attendees delved into the latest trends, tools, and techniques in collaboration, prototyping, and design systems. Participants also had the opportunity to receive exclusive Figma and Config swag, adding an exciting touch to the event. WISH Community’s Inspiring Fireside Chat On the same day, we were invited to the WISH Community’s Fireside Chat at Milestones and Memories. This inspiring event featured the founders of the WISH Society sharing their vision, challenges, and triumphs. It was a unique opportunity to connect with their journey, blending creativity and passion, and offering insights into building impactful community initiatives. We look forward to continuing our journey together and achieving more milestones in H2.

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NFC Monthly Meetup: Connect, Collaborate, Innovate

Programmes /

The Northern Founders Community (NFC) continues to foster innovation and entrepreneurship through its monthly meetups in Kano and Zaria. These gatherings bring together founders, talents, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to network, learn, and explore potential partnerships and business opportunities. The most recent meetup, held on May 30, 2024, at the Twin Theatre in Maryam Abacha American University Nigeria (MAAUN), was no exception. Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Haruna of MAAUN started with an opening ceremony, featuring a warm welcome. His remarks emphasized the significance of community and collaboration in shaping the future of Northern Nigeria’s tech scene About NFC and Partner Introductions Mustapha Salihu provided an insightful overview of the Northern Founders Community, detailing its mission, vision, and the critical role it plays in the regional startup ecosystem. He also introduced NFC’s esteemed partners, highlighting their contributions to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial environment. Startup Finance and Building Ubaidurrahman Sulaiman delivered a compelling talk on the intricacies of startup finance and building. Drawing from his experience as the CEO of Brycoal, he shared practical advice on securing funding, managing financial resources, and scaling startups effectively. His session was particularly valuable for budding entrepreneurs looking to navigate the financial challenges of startup life. Prospect for Northern Startup Space Umar Faruk joined the meetup virtually and provided an optimistic outlook on the future of the northern startup ecosystem. As the co-founder of Sparklab, he offered a unique perspective on the region’s potential for growth and innovation. His insights into emerging trends and opportunities left the audience inspired and eager to contribute to the region’s burgeoning tech landscape. iLearn Platform A standout moment of the meetup was the launch of the iLearn platform by a team of talented students from MAAUN’s School of Computing. This innovative platform aims to provide accessible educational resources, underscoring the critical role of technology in enhancing education. The launch was met with applause and excitement, signaling strong support for student-led initiatives. Need for Strong PR Summaya Tofa, the creative director of The Meraki, emphasized the importance of strong public relations for startups. Her session highlighted strategies for building a compelling brand narrative, engaging with media, and leveraging PR to enhance visibility and credibility. For many in the audience, her talk provided actionable takeaways on how to effectively promote their ventures. The Northern Perspective Representatives of Zainpay discussed their innovative payment solutions and how they are tailored to meet the needs of the northern market. Their discussion showcased the potential of fintech in driving financial inclusion and supporting local businesses. The meetup concluded with closing remarks from Aida Isah El-Hassan, the Hub Manager of Startup Kano. She recapped the day’s key points, expressed gratitude to all speakers and participants, and encouraged ongoing collaboration and networking beyond the event. The NFC Monthly Meetup exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that is essential for driving the future of Northern Nigeria’s tech industry. With the support of partners like Startup Kano, these events provide invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and growth. As the community continues to connect, collaborate, and innovate, the prospects for the northern startup ecosystem look brighter than ever.

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Design Thinking Session for the Citizen Reporting Cross-Platform (CRC)

Programmes, Startup Kano Activities /

On the 29th of May, 2024, Startup Kano hosted an insightful design thinking session as part of the ongoing development of the Citizen Reporting Cross-Platform (CRC) project. The event was held at Startup Kano hub to engage the invited guests in a meaningful discussion about the current problems facing the state and explore potential solutions through the design of the CRC platform. Here’s a recap of the event. Startup Kano is known for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The ambiance was charged with excitement and anticipation as participants gathered to contribute their ideas and insights toward shaping the CRC platform. The session began with opening remarks from Yomi Sani, the HR at Startup Kano and the lead of the CRC project. Yomi highlighted the significance of the CRC project in empowering citizens and improving community governance. He welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of their contributions in designing a platform that addresses real local issues effectively. An Interactive Session Usman Fori, a seasoned facilitator, took the stage next and immediately captured the audience’s attention with his dynamic approach. He began by outlining the objectives of the session, emphasizing the importance of understanding the local issues that citizens face daily. Fori encouraged active participation from all attendees, stressing that their input was crucial in designing a platform that truly addresses the community’s needs. His session moved into a collective brainstorming phase where participants were invited to share their experiences and observations regarding local issues. This collaborative environment allowed for a wide range of problems to be identified, from sanitation concerns to security issues, bureaucratic inefficiencies and many more. The diverse backgrounds of the attendees provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by the community. Tailoring the CRC to Local Needs With a clear understanding of the current problems, Usman guided the group through the process of ideating potential solutions. He introduced various design thinking techniques, encouraging participants to think creatively and practically about how the CRC platform could be designed to address these issues. Ideas flowed freely, and lively discussions ensued as attendees proposed features and functionalities that would make the platform effective and user-friendly. A Collaborative Effort for a Better Community The event concluded with closing remarks from Amina Idris Ibrahim, a training expert at Startup Kano. Amina thanked all the participants for their valuable input and active engagement. She reiterated the importance of community collaboration in the success of the CRC project and expressed optimism about the positive impact this initiative would have on local governance and community improvement. The design thinking session at Startup Kano was a resounding success. The session not only identified key local issues but also generated innovative ideas for incorporating solutions into the CRC platform. As we move forward, the insights gained from this session will play a pivotal role in shaping the CRC project. By incorporating the community’s input, we can develop a platform that truly empowers citizens, fosters community improvement, and enhances communication with local authorities.

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