BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, DECEMBER 13, 2025 | 09:34 PM

ThinkLab Group has flagged off the Thinkpreneur THINKATON Programme, a nationwide innovation challenge aimed at driving youth-led solutions to Nigeria’s development needs.

The programme was formally declared open by Dr Sa’id Kori, chairman of ThinkLab Group, during the official flag-off ceremony on Friday.

Dr Kori said the initiative was designed to harness the power of ideas, technology, and youth innovation to address real-world problems across key sectors.

He explained that the THINKATON is part of ThinkLab’s broader innovation roadmap for 2026, which focuses on practical, technology-driven solutions.

According to him, the programme began in October 2025 with a nationwide call to young innovators to submit ideas aligned with ThinkLab’s priority sectors.

He said more than 200 innovators applied, forming 35 teams from across the country.

Dr Kori noted that after a competitive selection process, 17 teams were shortlisted to develop their proof of concepts.

He said the process has now reached its final stage with the emergence of five top-performing teams.

The finalist teams, he added, were selected from different parts of the country, including Lagos, Kano, and Maiduguri.

‘This is more than a hackathon; it is a national call to action where ideas are turned into solutions,’ Dr Kori said.

He stated that the five finalist teams will participate in a 72-hour intensive innovation sprint.

He explained that the teams, made up of 15 participants, will work alongside five ThinkLab ICT professionals.

Dr Kori said the teams are expected to build software solutions targeting aviation, education, fintech, construction, and public finance.

He noted that the focus areas include smart aviation systems, advanced learning management platforms, inclusive financial tools, artificial intelligence for construction, and automation for auditing and budgeting.

According to him, these sectors were chosen because of their direct impact on economic growth and national development.

He said the Thinkpreneur programme provides young innovators with mentorship, technical support, and a platform to scale their ideas.

Dr Kori added that ThinkLab Group remains committed to empowering youth and supporting digital transformation in Nigeria.

‘We are investing in the people who will build Africa’s digital future,’ he said.

He encouraged the finalist teams to use the 72-hour window to collaborate, innovate, and develop practical solutions.

Dr Kori also called on partners, stakeholders, and the public to support the initiative and engage with the innovators.

He said the THINKATON marks another step in strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

The programme officially commenced at the end of the ceremony, signaling the start of the 72-hour innovation challenge.