By Chinedu Chukwuemelie
The Solution Innovation District (SID) has recorded another milestone with the graduation of participants from its 2026 Startup Investment and Technology Skills Programme, underscoring Anambra State’s commitment to building a thriving technology and innovation ecosystem.
The graduation ceremony, held on June 16, featured beneficiaries who completed intensive training in software development, robotics, artificial intelligence, product design, digital marketing and network engineering.
The programme showcased Anambra’s growing pool of tech talent, with outstanding participants receiving industry certifications, mentorship opportunities and funding support to advance their entrepreneurial ventures.
A major highlight of the event was a live startup pitch session, during which selected innovators secured investment commitments from SID partners and private investors to scale their solutions.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of SID and Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Miss Chinwe Okoli, said the initiative aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of positioning Anambra as Nigeria’s leading digital and creative hub.
“This is about transforming talent into enterprises and jobs. Today’s graduates are proof that the model is working and that Anambra is building a sustainable pipeline of innovators and entrepreneurs,” she said.
Beyond receiving certificates, several startups were awarded seed funding to develop their prototypes into market-ready products. Graduates of the ISP Network Engineering track were also certified to support broadband expansion in underserved communities, contributing to efforts to bridge the digital divide.
With the state’s technology ecosystem expanding across Awka, Nnewi, Onitsha and other urban centres, SID reaffirmed its commitment to equipping more young people with digital skills through its skills-to-wealth programmes.
The district encouraged the graduates to leverage their knowledge and creativity to develop innovative solutions that address challenges in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and financial technology.
Chinedu Chukwuemelie is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
