VacantBoards making a pitch
Founder of Lagos based tech startup, VacantBoards, Tunji Alao, is already looking forward to competing in the next phase of the IBM SmartCamp Lagos. As winners of the local event on Thursday Jul 18 at the IBM West Africa, Vacantboards next will be the regional event in Johannesburg South Africa and then global event.
Vacant Boards provides an online platform that intermediates information exchange between customers and advertising agencies emerged the winner.
IBM SmartCamps are exclusive events aimed at identifying early stage entrepreneurs who are developing business ventures that align with IBM’s strategy. There are three type of smart camp events:Local, Regional and Global Finals.
Winners of the SmartCamp regional events come together at the SmartCamp Global Finals to compete for the title of IBM Global Entrepreneur of the Year, pitching their unique technology business idea to a panel of industry experts.
Speaking during their presentations at the IBM Client & Innovation Centre in Lagos, Adeola Allison, the IBM Ecosystem Development Manager for IBM smartCamps said that the tech startups are expected to use their to change the planet for a better place.
According to her, IBM can help startups to use technology leverage on IBM technology to change the world.
The IBM Global Entrepreneurial Programme has gained more than 50 partners since being launched four years ago, proving that Africa’s start-up ecosystem is flourishing.SmartCamp events are scheduled for Nairobi, Lagos, Cape Town and Johannesburg from July through October 2014.
This year’s winner in Africa will claim a position in the regional finals of IBM’s Global Entrepreneur of the Year competition, pitching their unique technology business idea to a panel of industry experts.
VacantBoards founder, Tunji Alao (9th from left) being flanked by mentors and judges at the Lagos IBM SmartCamp
Other Nigerian startups that participated were:
GidiFarm, which provides up-to-date market information of different agro-produces, connects farmers to buyers/markets through the agro-market, and provides an online agro-market place for buying & selling of agro-produces.
Mobile OES or Online Exams Simulation (OES) that helps students prepare for and pass grade school exams. Multiple mobile and cell phone platforms are supported.
iQube, an Applied Computer Science Research & Development company that aims to provide custom app-based solutions to challenges that are locally relevant using mobile and web technologies.
Asuqu, a web channel that provides an online portfolio for photographers, animators, short film creators, creative directors, UI designers, web designers, architects, engineers, fashion designers, make-up artists, models, musicians, and other creative professionals.
500shops, a startup with the goal of making it ridiculously easy for businesses to setup and run an e-commerce store.
SmartCamps enable technical startups to take advantage of mentoring opportunities, learn from thought leaders, and network with other entrepreneurs, investment firms, academic leaders, and industry and technology experts. SmartCamps give selected startups the opportunity to connect with the venture community.
