In a remarkable collaboration, Ibom Air has teamed up with a variety of sponsors and the Ibom Innovation Network to empower tech startups in developing local solutions for challenges in the aviation industry. This partnership is especially dedicated to improving the travel experience for air passengers with disabilities.
During a recent webinar organized by the Ibom Innovation Network, Stanley Igwe, the Group Manager of ICT at Ibom Air, shared the airline’s vision for innovation. He highlighted the urgent need for tech startups to create solutions that assist passengers with walking disabilities in boarding aircraft more easily. “Ibom Air is a significant venture for the state, and we take pride in being a world-class team. Our commitment to ongoing innovations in the tech sector is sincere. One of our primary challenges is enhancing accessibility for passengers with mobility issues. We are looking forward to tech startups presenting us with effective solutions,” Igwe remarked.
Aniekan Essienette, GM of Marketing and Communications at Ibom Air, also engaged with the audience, announcing the Ibom Air Prize for Innovation. He reinforced the airline’s pledge to lead Nigeria’s aviation sector through homegrown innovation, emphasizing their sponsorship of the Akwa Ibom Tech Week Innovation Challenge.
Hanson Johnson, President of the Ibom Innovation Network (IIN), stressed the importance of the Innovation Challenge, stating, “The Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024 Innovation Challenge aims to bring together our brightest minds to develop solutions for real-world problems, nurturing a robust innovation ecosystem. This initiative reflects our dedication to empowering youth, stimulating economic growth, and positioning Akwa Ibom as a premier tech hub in Africa.”
Johnson also declared that applications are now open for tech startups interested in creating solutions that meet the local needs of Nigerians. Idongesit Essien, co-planner responsible for publicity for Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024, expressed gratitude to the sponsors and revealed that N10 million in prize money has been secured from various private sector contributors, including Ibom Air, Ubulu Africa, Hotels NG, Start Innovation Hub, Metikon Engineering, Victoria Ekanem Foundation, and Engineering Automation Technology Limited.
