Ibadan Startup Festival targets AI innovation, growth and job creation

The fourth edition of the Ibadan Startup Festival (ISF) will focus on accelerating startup growth, promoting artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and creating employment opportunities across emerging markets.

The one-day event, scheduled for November 28 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, technology professionals and aspiring business owners.

The festival’s Convener, Mr David Adeleke, disclosed this on Tuesday at a news conference in Ibadan, noting that the initiative had grown from 100 participants at its inception four years ago into a major platform for entrepreneurship and innovation.

He attributed the growth partly to the Oyo State Government’s support and its efforts to position the state as an emerging technology hub.

Adeleke said the 2026 edition would explore how individuals and businesses could leverage AI and other emerging technologies to improve productivity and scale their operations.

He added that the programme would feature masterclasses, fireside chats and startup pitch sessions, alongside a gala and awards night organised in partnership with the state government to recognise startups and individuals developing impactful solutions.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on ICT, Mr Bayo Akande Jnr., attributed Ibadan’s growing technology ecosystem to investments in critical infrastructure, including fibre-optic connectivity and Independent Power Projects.

Akande called for stronger public-private sector collaboration, noting that government must provide an enabling environment while businesses drive innovation and investment.

He also commended the organisers for choosing to build in Ibadan rather than Lagos, which he described as an increasingly saturated market.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Cardify and festival partner, Mr Tunde Buremo, said the company deliberately established its headquarters in Ibadan to demonstrate that business success was not dependent on geographical location.

Buremo commended the state government for creating a favourable business environment, describing the festival as a platform for youth empowerment, innovation and sustainable development.

The organisers invited startup founders, investors, students, technology enthusiasts and members of the public to participate in the event, with registration available through the official Ibadan Startup Festival website.