The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Lagos State Chapter, in partnership with the Salako Maven Foundation, has launched the fifth edition of the Salako Maven Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Prize (SMARP), aimed at accelerating youth‑driven innovation and job creation in Nigeria.
The announcement was made in Lagos by Tunde Ogunremi, Director‑General of the Salako Maven Foundation, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday. Ogunremi said the programme is intended to identify and support emerging entrepreneurs working on projects in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
“Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. This initiative is about empowering young people to become job creators by supporting them to develop solutions that can be commercialised,” Ogunremi said.
He explained that SMARP is open to individuals from schools and technology hubs nationwide who are currently developing AI or robotics projects. Selected participants will have the opportunity to transform their ideas into market‑ready solutions.
Ogunremi said the competition will offer plaques and cash prizes to winners. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to make physical presentations of their innovations to a panel of judges.
In addition to prizes, organisers said mentorship support will be provided after the competition to help participants refine their project ideas and business models for commercial success.
The director‑general urged interested young innovators across Nigeria to submit detailed documentation of their projects, noting that shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further engagements.
Organisers said the prize forms part of broader efforts to expand Nigeria’s pool of technology talent and stimulate innovation that can contribute to the country’s growing digital economy.
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