By Merit Ibe
ENGIE Energy Access has presented cash prizes to the top three winners of the ‘Innovation Challenge’, a technology-leveraged hackathon aimed to challenge students on innovative solutions, organised as part of this year’s annual energy event, ‘The Industry Discourse’ (TID).
‘The Industry Discourse’ is the largest student-led energy conference in the sub-Saharan Africa region, focused on bridging the gap between students and the energy industry, fostering synergy and giving young people the opportunity to contribute positively to Africa’s energy future. The conference was organized by undergraduates at the University of Lagos and held on May 26th, 2023 at the university.
As part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investment, ENGIE Energy Access supported the Industry Discourse’ and further demonstrated its commitment by providing a financial contribution of US$3,000 (N2.1m) for the Innovation Challenge.
The first team, PERIHELION won a sum of $1,500; the second team, TEMT Energy won $1,000, and the third-place team AGROLL won $500.
Mangiza Phiri, Managing Director of ENGIE Energy Access Nigeria, emphasized the company’s commitment to addressing the energy access challenge in Nigeria and other African countries with underserved communities due to low-capacity national grids. Phiri commended the winners for their innovative ideas and stated: “This sponsored challenge holds great significance as we seek to address the pressing energy access challenges in Africa. By supporting the Innovation Challenge, ENGIE Energy Access not only positioned itself as a champion of youth talent but also encouraged innovative solutions to African energy problems.”
“This funding supported the winners of the hackathon who were prompted to develop software solutions that can help Mini grid companies choose the best sites for development, putting into consideration various criteria such as solar irradiation, size of community, presence of productive activities and much more.”
Onyiye Anene-Nzelu, Head of Mini Grid Energy Access Nigeria, who served as one of the speakers on the Energy Transition panel and presenter of the award, highlighted the importance of the winners’ innovative solutions for Nigeria’s energy sector, particularly in transitioning to cost-efficient off-grid power solutions and other clean energy sources. Anene-Nzelu expressed.
”At ENGIE Energy Access, we believe that the outcomes of this hackathon have the potential to drive software innovation, benefitting our operational workflow and potentially saving time, cost and manpower. Also is enabling us to identify and connect with exceptional minds passionate about the energy transition, and fostering talent discovery,” she said.
Anene-Nzelu affirmed ENGIE Energy Access’ commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators and driving positive change in the energy sector, stating, “We are proud to be part of The Industry Discourse and look forward to further collaborations that will create lasting impact in Africa’s energy landscape,” she asserted.
Lawrence Olugbenga, Operational Marketing Manager ENGIE Energy Access and other members of the marketing team were also present at the event.
The hackathon commenced on the 24th of April, 2023 with participants submitting their innovative solutions for their chosen categories. The winning ideas were determined by a jury comprising of respected industry experts following presentations by each team. The top three winners were hosted at ENGIE Energy Access’ corporate headquarters in Lagos for the formal presentation of their prizes.