Startups Pitch Solutions for Nigeria's Telecom Challenges

At the Ilorin Innov Hub, two startups, Flowsoft and Insightwork, presented their solutions aimed at addressing Nigeria's weak telecom infrastructure during a demo day. Flowsoft, co-founded by Nelson Bassi, focuses on real-time monitoring of fiber optic networks to improve visibility and reduce network outages caused by fiber cuts.

Their system utilizes hardware sensors and artificial intelligence to detect faults and predict issues, significantly reducing response times from hours to minutes. Insightwork, led by founder Dapo Sosanya, is developing industrial-grade battery systems designed specifically for telecom infrastructure to reduce reliance on diesel generators.

Their solution aims to provide 12-14 hours of autonomous power, optimizing energy management and enhancing operational efficiency. This event reflects a broader trend in Nigeria's startup ecosystem, emphasizing solutions for industrial-scale problems rather than purely consumer applications.

The pitches attracted venture capital firms and corporate investors, highlighting the increasing collaboration between startups and larger infrastructure providers.