Kolawole Tomisin and Erioluwa Morenikeji, from the University of Ibadan have emerged 1st prize winners of ₦1.5 million for their initiative – Vinsighte, in the Union Bank Campus Innovation Challenge held in Lagos.
Vinsighte is a health technology project that makes use of technology to help blind and visually impaired persons live a happier, more comfortable life.
First runners-up, Obasogie Okpamen, Hermans Joshua and Usifoh Benedict all from Landmark University, received ₦1 million for their sustainable power project, Ina Lite while the second runners-up from Federal University of Technology Akure , Alabi Oladimeji and Solomon Fabusuyi received ₦500,000 for Farmally, an agricultural funding initiative.
In addition to the cash prizes, all 3 winning ideas will access a 6-month incubation programme with CcHub where they will receive the necessary support to for their innovative ideas.
The Union Bank Campus Innovation Challenge provides a platform for students of tertiary institutions to present innovative, technology-driven ideas that address social and business challenges, for a chance to attract financial and mentorship support from one of Nigeria’s most trusted financial institutions, Union Bank and leading social innovation hub, Co-Creation Hub (CcHub).
During the one month entry period, which spanned from July 4 to August 5 (2018), over 800 entries were received from students across the country with innovative ideas that sought to solve various challenges in the society.
Following the entry period, 9 semi-finalists were shortlisted from the vast pool of entries and invited to present their ideas, which were judged based on criteria including business model, innovation, capacity to execute, market opportunity and level of social impact.
The panel of judges included Union Bank’s Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, Lola Cardoso and Head, Transaction Banking, Chidi Ileka; Director of People at CcHub, Toun Tunde-Anjous; South-West Executive Director at Bank of Agriculture, Bode Abikoye and Executive Director, LEAP Africa, Femi Taiwo.
According to Lola Cardoso stated:
“Union Bank remains focused on supporting youth development and innovation; two elements we have identified as being vital to national growth and sustainability.
We applaud the finalists and winners for their impressive ideas and hope the Campus Innovation Challenge will continue to inspire young Nigerians to think innovatively about creating solutions that will ensure Nigeria’s long-term development.”
