Adedapo Adesanya
By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has opened its application for sponsorship of Nigerian startups to the upcoming 40th edition of the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), United Arab Emirates.
This year’s event has been themed Synergising the Mind and Technology Economy and will take place from December 6–10, 2020.
In a press release, the agency noted that the application was open to innovative technology-driven startups with solutions addressing any of these problems’ areas: fifth-generation wireless technology (5G); Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Augmented Analytics; Transportation; Digital Economies; Cyber Security and Resilience; Cloud and Edge computing, and Blockchain technology.
Companies eligible can apply and if selected, will get a full sponsorship to represent Nigeria at GITEX, the biggest tech event in Asia, Middle East and Africa which will attract over 150,000 trade visitors from over 140 countries at the 5-day global tech expo and conferences which coincides with Technology Week 2020.
Technology Week 2020 is a major meeting point for technology industry professionals; governments, innovators, futurists and corporate buyers. GITEX has now become a major thrust for the Global Startup Movement attracting some of the world’s biggest technology mentors, angel investors, and venture capitalists.
At GITEX, Nigeria has featured an increasingly strong delegation and country pavilion presence through NITDA since 2013 to explore cross-nations deals and collaborations.
In the last five years also, NITDA has provided strong support for Nigerian startups by featuring over 40 startups at GITEX Future Stars Pavilion through its subsidiary, the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE).
The exhibition offers attendees and startups an opportunity to explore and gain new perspectives; explore innovative ideas; expand their networking opportunities through facilitated business meetings, blockbuster showcases and enlightening briefings.
NITDA noted that applications will be considered and scored by a panel of judges from within the Nigerian technology startup ecosystem based on set eligibility criteria to identify solutions addressing any of the problems listed above that can compete globally.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to visit: http://bit.ly/NITDA-GITEX2020 to apply. The application process closes by midnight of November 16, 2020, after which all entries will be evaluated and successful startups will be selected and contacted.
NITDA is a Federal Government Agency established to develop and regulate Information Technology (IT) in Nigeria.
