Innovative Sparks Ignite at e-Mobility Innovation Hackathon: Accelerating the Future of Electric Vehicles
The e-Mobility Innovation Hackathon, which took place on March 28th, 2024, at the Microsoft Garage, brought together innovative minds who aimed to shape the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Several startup finalists presented their visionary ideas and innovations, making it clear that there is incredible potential within the realm of sustainable transportation in Nigeria.
Considering the growing environmental concerns and the pressing need for eco-friendly mobility solutions, GFA Technologies, in collaboration with Microsoft, thought it imperative to organize the hackathon program, which provided a great platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their inventions and ideas for revolutionizing the EV industry.
A total of 12 startups were shortlisted for the Hackathon from an application pool of over 500 applicants. Among the individuals who presented were AMGLOGredeem, led by Gbenga Owoseniolofin; MOBILITA, led by Ola Olawuyi; GREEGO TECHNOLOGY Ltd., led by Toyin Awofala; PALMCHARGE, led by Terhemba Ahenda; TREKK SCOOTERS, led by Esther Ehindero; CELLOOP, led by Lolade Alonge; and HELGG, led by Johnson Jaiyeola.
The finalists’ groundbreaking innovations, ideas, and solutions were carefully evaluated by brilliant and astute judges who gave positive feedback and reviews that would help grow the respective niches they’ve carved for themselves in the EV space. Moreover, the whole judging process not only highlights the startups’ potential to revolutionize the EV space but also underlines the importance of expert guidance in nurturing and expanding their market footprint.
Speaking on behalf of the judges, Temitope Edun, VP of Projects & Infrastructure at Oando Clean Energy Ltd. (OCEL) said, “Nigeria is a place of great ideas, and MSADC is a place for them to flourish.” She encouraged all participants to collaborate and persevere despite socio-economic constraints“.
In assessing their presentations, Samuel Ahanor, one of the judges, encouraged the contestants to prepare for future government regulations as the sector expands and matures. He advised that they connect with the Nigerian Automobile Development Centre to familiarize themselves with government norms and structures and sidestep potential obstacles in the burgeoning field.
Three individuals emerged as winners, each honoured for their remarkable contributions to e-mobility advancement. The excitement of witnessing transformative ideas fueled the event’s atmosphere.
The winners were announced after an exciting culmination of pitches and presentations, and each of them was recognized for their ingenuity and dedication to shaping a greener, more sustainable future.
The Winners Circle
– Trekk Scooters (First prize winner): The winner of the first prize and a substantial award of 3 million naira was the visionary Trekk Scooters led by Esther Ehindero whose innovation captured the hearts and minds of the judges. Trekk Scooters leverages e-scooters within academic, industrial and residential communities in Lagos State. The winning project focused on efficiency, affordability, and environmental impact, standing as a beacon of innovation in the e-Mobility domain.
– Helgg (First runner-up): Helggs, led by Johnson Jaiyeola secured a noteworthy award of 1.5 million naira, which was a testament to the exceptional calibre of the innovation presented. Helgg uses software to aggregate access to cheaper transportation methods, mostly EVs. Their solution showcased a remarkable blend of creativity and practicality, offering tangible benefits to the burgeoning EV market. The first runner-up’s project exemplified the essence of forward-thinking entrepreneurship in the realm of e-Mobility, with a strong emphasis on scalability and market viability.
– Celloops (Second runner-up): Celloops’ innovative approach and commitment to EV innovation earned them a commendable award of 500,000 naira. Led by Lolade Alonge, Celloop focuses on recycling end-of-life batteries to provide power to EVs, which is a game changer, leveraging the circular economy framework. This contribution added depth and diversity to the pool of e-Mobility solutions presented at the hackathon, with a focus on innovation and impact.
Implications and Beyond
At the event, the Innovation Lead for the ADC, Nkem Nweke, remarked that the innovators showcased Nigerians’ potential. He highlighted that these developers are laying the foundation for the future of e-mobility in Africa, created by Africans for Africans.
Nweke pointed out that despite 80 per cent of Africans living at the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ in terms of socio-economic conditions, the focus is on devising solutions accessible to both urban and rural populations.
According to the CEO of GFA Technologies, Debo Omololu, the success of the e-Mobility Innovation Hackathon is a testament to the boundless potential of collaborative innovation in driving positive change. He added that events like these foster creativity and pave the way for tangible advancements in sustainable technology.
In making sure the winners and participants carry on the impact to reshape the EV industry in Nigeria, mitigate environmental impact, and enhance the quality of life, Debo Omololu announced the creation of an eMobility website where the activities of the 12 startups will be tracked for the next one year. In addition, GFA Technologies will organize visits to regulatory organizations, corporate organizations, and venture capital investors for the current cohort.
“We have plans to run an e-Mobility skill-up program to train people on converting bikes (okada) and three-wheelers (keke) into electric vehicles”, he said.
Conclusion
The e-Mobility Innovation Hackathon has just concluded, and it serves as a testament to the transformative potential of human ingenuity. GFA Technologies, in collaboration with Microsoft, the winners and the other participants are leading the way towards a more sustainable future, marking a crucial moment in the ongoing quest for innovation and progress in the electric vehicle industry and clean energy transportation in Africa.
