Nigeria Computer Society mulls N50million Innovation Development Fund

Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has disclosed plans to launch N50 million Innovation Development Fund (IDF), TechEconomy.ng can authoritatively report.

The NCS will launch the fund – a startup grant – tagged ‘Innovation Development Fund’ at this year’s National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA) conference and awards, TechEconomy.ng gathered.

Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) as the umbrella body of all Information Technology (IT) professionals has in more than 40 years promoted the development of IT in Nigeria.

Today, NCS boasts of over 20,000 membership.

Prof. Adesina Sodiya, president of NCS said that Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman, Zinox Group has been tapped to lead the launch.

Sodiya disclosed this today during a press briefing on this year’s NITMA to be held on Thursday this week at Muson Centre, Lagos.

In his words, “We are set to launch NCS Innovation Development Fund meant to support young startups, innovators to add value to the economy.

“NCS has never sat on the fence when it comes to supporting innovation and we shall continue to look inward. I have been saying there is no software needs of this nation that we cannot provide.

“We are looking at raising N50million Innovation Development Fund at NITMA. The initiative is a startup grant that be targeted at startups who are building innovative solutions to solve our societal problems.  The Chairman of Zinox Computer, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh is the chief launcher”, he said.

The computer professional body also promised to move the Information Technology profession to desirable heights in Nigeria.

As an advocacy group, Sodiya said the Nigeria Computer Society, would continue to work towards achieving sustainable development in Nigeria, and recognising excellence and exceptional individuals, professionals and corporate organisations who have made significant impact in the industry.