The innovation lab will give local startups a level playing field through programs designed to identify, nurture and scale great innovations that have the potential to transform the financial service sector in Nigeria and globally. thehatch will identify great ideas, nurture and develop them into viable digital businesses in recognition that creative minds and startups need support and an environment that fosters creativity to grow. According to Inlaks, thehatch will provide startups with an opportunity to learn from their peers and mentors, scale and grow and change lives in the bigger society. Inlaks aims to be at the center of innovation in ICT and the launch of thehatch reinforces Inlaks 2.0’s vision to identify, promote, support, and encourage home-based technology entrepreneurs. According to Olufemi Muraino, the Executive Director (Innovation and Business Transformation) at Inlaks, “I am elated at the launch of our Tech Hub as we are focused on opening up new markets while also introducing innovative information technology products into the Sub-Saharan African markets”.
The launch comes after AfriLabs, the pan- African network of technology and innovation hubs, announced it had added 27 new hubs into her network thereby extending her reach into 6 countries. “We are excited to have these new members join our ever growing family as well as extending our reach to these new countries thereby bringing us closer to the goal of having our community span across all 55 African countries. We believe that in reaching this goal, we are moving closer to an integrated and prosperous continent fostered by open collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship driven by hubs and their communities across Africa,” said Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director, AfriLabs. Being part of AfriLabs is an epitome of belonging to an African identity and a resolve to change the destiny of Africa through nurturing entrepreneurship. Though Inlaks thehatch is yet to become a member of Afrilabs, there is a high possibility that it will take that opportunity to expand its network beyond Nigeria and across the continent. “With thehatch, Inlaks is ready to be an anchor for worthy home-based (African) solutions to give them global relevance. We call on young techpreneurs to take a giant step towards making a huge impact on the global tech evolution trend. Our vision for thehatch is to be Africa’s most sought after center for innovative technology, human capital, and start-ups ready to transform the economic future of Africa,” said Femi Adeoti, MD Africa Operations, Inlaks.
