Interswitch Group recently hosted the inaugural edition of its Startup Innovation Mixer at the Interswitch Innovation Hub, located within the company’s Lagos headquarters. The event, themed “Unlocking Synergies between Startups and Established Corporates,” brought together a diverse mix of stakeholders from the tech, fintech, and payments sectors, including notable Interswitch alumni.
Designed to bridge the gap between budding startups and established corporations, the Innovation Mixer provides a recurring platform for collaboration, idea-sharing, and partnership formation. This initiative unites innovators, tech enthusiasts, investors, and industry leaders for an evening of transformative discussions and networking opportunities.
Chief Innovation Officer at Interswitch, Adaobi Okerekeocha, underscored the event’s importance by emphasizing that strategic partnerships are vital for advancing Africa’s tech ecosystem. “At Interswitch, we believe collaboration is the bedrock of innovation. As the tech and innovation landscape in Nigeria and across Africa evolves, platforms like our Startup Mixer are essential for unlocking new possibilities. This series is a crucial step toward creating a vibrant community where startups and established corporates can share ideas, explore opportunities, and develop synergies that drive impactful solutions,” she remarked.
The evening featured engaging panel discussions, one of which was moderated by Akeem Hassan, Technical Adviser to the Honourable Commissioner at the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Panelists included Ireayo Oladunjoye, Managing Director of Endeavor Nigeria; Esther Otusanya, Selection and Growth Manager at Endeavor Nigeria; Linda Ochugbua, Digital Sales Manager at BusinessDay; and Olapeju Nwanganga, Founder of Pepcode. Together, they delved into strategies for fostering collaboration between startups and established corporates.
Attendees also enjoyed a tour of Interswitch’s newly unveiled Innovation and Ventures Labs, as well as co-working spaces available to its partners and startup companies. Additionally, a session led by Interswitch’s Innovation Team showcased success stories and highlighted transformative partnerships that have positioned the company as a pioneering tech and payments unicorn, shaping the future of Nigeria’s tech landscape and fueling broader innovation across Africa.
By hosting the Innovation Mixer, Interswitch reaffirms its steadfast commitment to nurturing innovation and building partnerships that drive growth within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and beyond.
Comments