The growth of the innovation sector in Nigeria over the last decade has been steady. This is evident in the quality of start-ups, mentors, angel investors, innovation hubs and other stakeholders that are participating in the fast growing early stage entrepreneurial ecosystem.
To foster greater collaboration and knowledge sharing about providing services that support entrepreneurship, a group of 75 hubs from across the country have come together to establish the Innovation Support Network (ISN).
The prime objective of the network is to develop a community of best practices.
The Innovation Support Network (ISN) which has begun its process of registration as a legal entity and which welcomes all members of the growing community of Nigerian hubs also aims to promote collaborations amongst hubs supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Nigeria.
In essence, the organisation looks to foster collaboration as well as to inspire and support Nigerian Hubs in building a diversified economy that promotes the development of technology, innovation and the early stage entrepreneurship ecosystem in Nigeria.
ISN believes that with the right kind of collaboration and partnerships, innovation will become deeper entrenched in entrepreneurs. This will in turn add tremendous value to the growth of the Nigerian economy.
“ISN Hubs is aiming to create a platform for increasing collaboration between hubs through the facilitation of the identification, exchange and use of commercial best practices by work spaces, incubators and accelerators in Nigeria.”
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. Marketing Director, ISN
ISN’s member hubs have elected five directors to run its five directorates. The directors will report to an executive committee comprising each of the founding hubs. Abdulganiyu Yakub of Digital Development Hub, Kano is the Corporate Director.
Other directors are Fayo Williams of Exponential Hub, Ikeja; Solape Agagu-Hammond of Impact Hub Ikoyi; Hanson Johnson of Start Innovation Hub, Uyo; and Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata of GoDo.ng Hub in Ikeja. Christie Eze of Kedge Anchor Hub, Port Harcourt is the organisation’s secretary.
“ISN Hubs will be governed by a constitution written collectively by members and approved by the Executive Committee.”
Abdulganiyu Yakub, Corporate Director, ISN
With two female board members and a woman secretary, the diverse nature of the organisations members is adequately reflected in its board.
Partnerships Director, Fayo Williams, is of the opinion that “the diversity already shown in the board formation will guide future engagements that will ensure innovative women entrepreneurs will be given equal opportunities to succeed.”
About ISN Hubs
Innovation Support Network (ISN) Hubs is a non-profit organisation comprising of 75 hubs with the goal of promoting collaboration amongst hubs, entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems.
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