#TechFest2018: Here’s What Went Down on Day 1!

Nigeria’s tech space witnessed a game-changing Day 1 of the maiden edition of TechFest 2018. The two-day event (15th- 16th May, 2018) with the theme — “Spark Your Curiosity,” held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island in Lagos.

Live at Landmark Event Centre, Oniru VI. #TechFest2018 #SparkYourCuriosity pic.twitter.com/Byd6UxGrsT

— TechFestng (@techfestng) May 15, 2018

Related Post: Diamond Bank Partners With Major Tech Players to Launch TechFest

TechFest was put together by Diamond Bank Plc. in partnership with MTN, Visa, Microsoft, NIBSS, Deloitte and Touche, Interswitch and Beat FM. The event aims to provide a platform for SMEs and stake holders in the economy through connecting, creating skills, providing relevant product education, supporting future tech projections, presenting tech solutions, and showcasing new technologies to the attendees.

Live at #TechFest2018 We hope you have joined us and are ready to #SparkYourCuriosity pic.twitter.com/fiMZ3dzaYl

— Microsoft Nigeria (@MicrosoftNG) May 15, 2018

Free portraits by @kelechiamadiobi anyone?? 👌🏾😉
Remember, it’s #TechFest2018 brought to you by @DiamondBankNG in partnership with MTN.#SparkYourCuriosity pic.twitter.com/JxagvASCGk

— MTN Nigeria (@MTNNG) May 15, 2018

According to BusinessDay Online, the first-time tech event in Nigeria sparked an impressive 8,000 online registered participants and over half of that number showed up on the first day.

Here’s What Went Down!

The first panel the of the day, “Tech Girl Rising: Women Shaking Up the Tech World“, had the likes of Linda Quaynor (Partner/West Africa Strategy & Operations Leader, Deloitte & Touche), Ola Williams (Director, Solution Sales Microsoft Nigeria), Lynda Saint Nwafor (Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN),  Banke Alawaye (Program Manager, CodeLagos), and Oluwakemi Okunsanya (VP, Visa West Africa) as panelists.

Linda Quaynor, Partner/West Africa Strategy & Operations Leader, Deloitte & Touche introducing other panelist for the first panel discussion of the day!

The Tech Girl Rising : Women Shaking Up the Tech World#TechFest2018 #SparkYourCuriosity pic.twitter.com/bezsAKOmHT

— TechFestng (@techfestng) May 15, 2018

Appeciating Diversity is the key to unlocking never before seen progress in the race for gender inclusion across industries!

Let's take away the labels; Women should begin to see themselves as leaders rather than just 'women leaders'#SparkYourCuriosity #TechFest #TechFest2018 pic.twitter.com/UHdGVYydp9

— Interswitch Group (@InterswitchGRP) May 15, 2018

The session was aimed at  grooming a generation of women to finding and developing unique solutions to the problems other women face.

The second panel of the day was on the topic, “Big Data For Small Businesses“,  and had the likes of Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (Co-founder & MD, Flutterwave), Wale Olokodana (Director Enterprise Commercial) and Uzoma Dozie (CEO, Diamond bank) as panelists.

Topic : Big Data For Small Businesses.

Second panel discussion of the day currently ongoing at the #TechFest
Venue : Landmark Event Centre, Oniru, VI, Lagos.#TechFest #SparkYourCuriosity pic.twitter.com/gCNBqNxIHg

— TechFestng (@techfestng) May 15, 2018

Mr Iyinoluwa illustrates how data could help banks predict what businesses are worth investing in with minimal risks.@techfestng @DiamondBankNG#sparkyourcuriosity #TechFest2018 pic.twitter.com/xKsaOmvfjH

— TechCity (@techcityng) May 15, 2018

Other sessions were on various topics, ranging from Healthcare and Transportation to Agriculture and Education. There were discussions on the effects of technology on these.

The Battle of the hubs at #Techfest has proven one fact to us; that Nigerian Startups are passionate about solving the prevailing problems unique to our space.

From Healthcare and Transportation to Agriculture and Education, Technology is creating tomorrow!#SparkYourCuriosity pic.twitter.com/7UWvuTCi5V

— Interswitch Group (@InterswitchGRP) May 15, 2018

As we began growing our business, we realised we are not just building solutions, but building capabilities that businesses can leverage.

These capabilities are being leveraged by developers and other stakeholders across industries.#TechFest #SparkYourCuriosity #TechFest2018 pic.twitter.com/sh67hJFbby

— Interswitch Group (@InterswitchGRP) May 15, 2018

The topic of Angel Investors across Nigeria also came up.

Mr Collins Director for Lagos Angel Investors Network defines Angel Investors as those who invest in businesses at a very early stage.@techfestng @DiamondBankNG#sparkyourcuriosity #TechFest2018 pic.twitter.com/PhaEribff1

— TechCity (@techcityng) May 15, 2018

It was time for participants to interact…

Data is at the backbone of the Interswitch Lending service.

From conveniently verifying user information, this service makes it possible to cut through the bottleneck of accessing loans.

Technology is creating that level of convenience. #TechFest #SparkYourCuriosity pic.twitter.com/wnjFtws1cU

— Interswitch Group (@InterswitchGRP) May 15, 2018

The whole point of #Techfest2018 is to show people that you can do much more with what is available.

We want a world where technology reaches the bottom of the value chain. Depending on how it is used, Big data willhelp everyone make better decisions.#SparkYourCuriosity pic.twitter.com/1oiD16DLLM

— Interswitch Group (@InterswitchGRP) May 15, 2018

Young chaps were not left out.

Even the young chaps were not left out at Tech Fest!#SparkYourCuriosity #TechFest2018 pic.twitter.com/RPW9ONHT84

— TechFestng (@techfestng) May 15, 2018

The Children were so excited about the #Techfest2018 experience.We had students from Primary, Secondary, Tetiary institutions and even NYSC corpers
No matter your age, we are going to #SparkYourCuriosity and our doors still opens tomorrow 16th May. Same venue and time. #TechFest pic.twitter.com/iaUb5GMUe7

— TechFestng (@techfestng) May 15, 2018

And of course, the selfies!

https://twitter.com/kikimordi/status/996450160019492866

'Twas the night before Techfest and all was calm…..Not! Tomorrow is going to be amazing. Come to #TechFest2018 and Spark Your Curiosity @DiamondBankNG @techfestng pic.twitter.com/uPVUNSTsi4

— Rob (@yorwerth) May 14, 2018

There was also an after-party!

After the show is the after party! You don't want to miss out on the biggest after party known to man, free tickets available! Every hour till 6:00 pm. Stay glued 🤞#sparkyourcuriosity #TechFest2018 #TechFest pic.twitter.com/nqQGlIhRHN

— Access More (@access_more) May 11, 2018

And there you have it! A recap of Day 1 of TechFest 2018. The event continues today.