BLAST FROM THE PAST: When we learned about Renewable Energy.

On the 13th & 14th of November 2018, 45 young people met at the KSIH to have conversations and learn about Renewable Energy, particularly PV solar generation in Nigeria and Paradigm shift in energy reliance. Facilitated by Mr. Divine Okon, a member of the Ken Saro-Wiwa Innovation Hub, the workshop was aimed at creating awareness about the need to diversify the sources of energy, seeing that the current source (fossil fuels) is fast being depleted, not to mention the fact that it is harmful to the environment and human health.

The first day of the workshop was focused on the rudiments and benefits of solar power generation in Nigeria. The facilitator carefully explained how solar power can be generated, the benefits as well as the challenges (cost of purchase and installation being the most prevalent) involved. From the training, it was established that solar power, though expensive, is the cleanest and more reliable form of renewable energy available in Nigeria. It is a worthy solution to the challenges plaguing the power sector in Nigeria is solar generated electricity.

Right after the presentation of the facilitator, the participants got engaged in a conversation about the current situation of power and energy in Nigeria, as well as possible solutions to the impending challenges. During the conversation, it was established that Nigeria is in dire need of knowledge of effective energy consumption and conservation, seeing that a significant amount of the energy (power) generated is wasted.

The day two of the workshop was geared towards the essence of a paradigm shift in energy reliance. Brief studies were done on different locations, such as Singapore, India, Japan, China, USA, in the world that have proper energy policies and are actively working towards finding better sources of energy that are cost-effective and better for the environment and human life. A short documentary that spoke about the current discoveries and inventions in solar power generation was watched.

BLAST FROM THE PAST: A Review of The Internet Of Things (IoT) Training at the Hub

The Ken Saro-Wiwa Innovation Hub is committed to learning the dynamics of technology and using it to solve pressing problems in the Niger Delta… a pertinent focus of ours is emerging & future technologies, and Internet of Things (IoT) is one of them.

Simply put, IoT is the concept of basically connecting any device with an on and off switch to the Internet (and/or to each other). This includes everything from cellphones, coffee makers, washing machines, headphones, lamps, wearable devices and almost anything else you can think of.

On the 15th & 16th of November 2018, 10 Females & 48 Males gathered at the Hub to use IoT to create a dummy traffic light, in a bid to understand & crack the problem of traffic jams in the Rumuokoro region of Port Harcourt.

During the first day of the training, the participants were split into four separate groups, with each group having a team lead. They were then introduced to the IoT starter pack. The facilitator explained what each component of the starter pack is used for and how to use them. He also led the participants to wire the Arduino board, in a bid to get them to get hands-on experience of each component of the starter pack.

On the second day of the training, the teams got down to the crucks of the matter- the creation and powering of a mini traffic light. The LEDs were soldered and the participants went on to wire the Arduino boards and write the appropriate codes for control on Sketch.

Learning is fun and the key to evolution!

Stay SHARP!

Ken Jr. Award for Innovation

Call for Applications:

Application Deadline: 11:59pm, August 10, 2019

The Ken Jr Award for Innovation is a 6-month ‘incubation’ programme for aspiring tech entrepreneurs, providing training, mentorship support, and soft skills to teams of people who have a business idea and minimum viable product that they want to take to market.

The objective is to help mid-stage startups to build on their idea/ prototype/ venture through technology mentoring, validation, intellectual property support, marketing strategy, team building, fundraising advisory etc.

Mid-stage startups: have a minimum viable product, that has been validated; meaning the problem and solution is clearly defined, user experience research has been carried out, and—if possible—a ‘business model canvas’ has already been created.

The Award also aims to foster integration of the Niger Delta innovative and tech community with the national tech community, in order to drive development in the region. It is hoped that the programme will contribute to the existing pool of social innovators and entrepreneurs striving to change the narrative of the Niger Delta while contributing to its economic diversification and growth.

The Ken Jr. Award is looking for startup ventures with ground-breaking tech solutions to social and civic problems to join the Ken Saro-Wiwa Tech Hub 2nd cohort for August 2019-January 2020. As a local pioneer, your startup may be asked to contribute towards the development of the local tech ecosystem, either in-kind or through contributions to the KSIH. This will be discussed further during the application process.

For Eligibility;

• Applicants must be between 18-35 years old

• You must be resident in Port Harcourt for the duration of the programme

• Startup ideas MUST be solving a social problem in the Niger Delta region

• Applicant start-ups must have a minimum viable product

• Entrepreneurship traits: you must demonstrate entrepreneurship traits such as risk tolerance, self-confidence, critical thinking, problem-solving, grit/persistence, proactiveness, and creativity

• You must have a minimum of two team members (a Founder and a Chief Technical Officer) and show the ability to grow your team during the program

• Viable business model: your business or idea should have the potential to generate revenue

• Digital literacy skills: you must have basic digital literacy skills which will be applied throughout program exercises and activities

• English proficiency: you must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak proficiently in English

The programme will provide successful applicants with the support needed to advance their digital enterprises. This will be achieved through:

• N500,000 grant to be invested in the business, with SDN oversight

• Mentorship: hands-on support from experienced entrepreneurs

• Training: immersive learning, tools, resources, and opportunities to network with leading entrepreneurship experts through the fireside chats

• Female participants will receive additional exposure to specialized confidence building activities

• Peer Learning: accountability sessions designed to promote interactions among participants

• Self-contained office space at the Ken Saro-Wiwa Innovation Hub

• High-speed internet connection

• Electricity supply

• Access to organisations’ network

• Access to support and event space for holding workshops and trainings

To apply: Click this link: http://bit.ly/32a2FfX, download a copy of the application, fill in the necessary information, and email to ksih@stakeholderdemocracy.org with “APPLICATION TO THE KEN JR. AWARD” as subject of the mail.

Best of Luck!