The Technology and Telecommunications Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG) has announced the second edition of its flagship Innovators Makers Challenge (IMC) Conference and Innovation Exhibition, scheduled for September 24, 2026, in Lagos.
The conference, which will be held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, is expected to bring together policymakers, technology industry leaders, investors, innovators, financial institutions and development partners from Nigeria and beyond.
Sponsored by IHS Nigeria, the event will focus on harnessing opportunities in Nigeria’s technology and telecommunications ecosystem while advancing sustainable development.
Other partners include Hydrogen, Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC), Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre (LBSSC) and MTN.
According to TTSWG, the maiden edition of the IMC, held in 2023, attracted more than 300 physical participants, 759 registrants and featured 17 innovations.
The 2026 edition, tagged IMC 2.0, is expected to expand its focus to innovative solutions across AgriTech, EnergyTech, HealthTech, FinTech, Water Technology, Waste and ClimateTech, Artificial Intelligence, Manufacturing, Education, Infrastructure and Smart Cities, Creative Industries, Digital Governance, Logistics and Mobility, among other technology-enabled sectors.
Lead Consultant at the TTSWG Secretariat, Bankole Oloruntoba, said the initiative was designed to move beyond showcasing innovations to accelerating solutions with measurable economic, social and environmental impact.
“TTSWG is not only building on the success of the 2023 edition, we are scaling up significantly this year,” Oloruntoba said.
He added that the expanded programme would support solutions with proven market validation while creating opportunities for startups and innovators to attract investment and scale their businesses.
Key activities at the conference include the Go-to-Talent Competition, a three-day IMC Bootcamp, Innovation Exhibition and Business Clinics offering legal and business advisory services.
The bootcamp will provide mentorship on business development, team building, finance and pitching, while more than 20 startups, technology firms, research projects and development organisations are expected to showcase their solutions at the exhibition.
A major attraction will be the IMC Quest Pitch Competition, where the top five growth-stage startups emerging from the bootcamp will pitch their ideas before a panel of judges.
The top three winners will share ₦9.2 million in seed funding, with the winner receiving ₦7 million, the first runner-up ₦1.2 million and the second runner-up ₦1 million.
TTSWG said the winning startups would also undergo a structured six-month post-competition incubation programme aimed at improving accountability, investment outcomes and long-term business sustainability.
The conference will also feature the launch of the Telecommunication and Technology Citizenship Awareness Roadmap (TATCAR) 2023–2026, which will highlight updates and best practices for responsible growth in Nigeria’s technology and telecommunications sector.
Participation in the conference, exhibition and pitching activities is free, with interested startups, investors, corporates and development partners invited to register ahead of the event.