The founder of a Nigerian-based agriculture-focused drone service provider, IAPrecision, Femi Adekoya, has emerged winner of Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) in the business pitch competition for Cohort 7 of the Orange Corners, Nigeria. Orange Corners is an initiative of the kingdom of The Netherlands in collaboration with a local service provider, FATE foundation. IAPrecision was awarded the first prize of €40,000 at the pitch competition, for its innovative work with drone technology in agriculture, being the first-of-its-kind Agritech start-up in Nigeria by leveraging drone and data technologies solely for farmers.
The business provides farmers in Nigeria with integrated drone services that enable them early detection, fighting of crop disease and pest infestation on their farms. Recall, Adekoya also known as ‘the flying farmer’, in an interview with FarmingFarmersFarms had expressed need for funding opportunities for his smart agriculture business in order to aid farming in the country, to fight pests and diseases while they are at their homes or at the edge of the field. Reflecting on the prize award, he said “We are more motivated than ever to continue revolutionising the agricultural industry with our cutting-edge technology. We extend our gratitude to Orange Corners Nigeria, the Kingdom of The Netherlands, and FATE Foundation for their support in awarding this prize”. According to Orange Corners, five persons won a total of €120,000 with Adewale Adesanwo coming second, Queen Uwabuofu came third, Rebecca Andeshi came fourth and Uzoma Chidimma came fifth.
The 4th place winner, Rebecca Andeshi, is a veterinarian by training with over four years experience in the agricultural waste management sector. She is the founder of Grocircula Agro Services Ltd, a company that leverages technology to produce high-quality fertilizer, bio-gradable food packs and “io diesel” from agricultural food waste and water hyacinth. A statement from Orange Corners stated that “Our ambition is to develop and strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Nigeria. This ecosystem should enable youth to develop their business concept and become successful entrepreneurs, by providing them with the necessary opportunities, skills and access to markets. We extend our gratitude to Orange Corners Nigeria, the Kingdom of The Netherlands, and FATE Foundation for their support in awarding this prize”.
In the fund, five persons won a total of €120,000 with Adewale Adesanwo coming second, Queen Uwabuofu came third, Rebecca Andeshi came fourth, and Uzoma Chidimma came fifth. A statement from Orange Corners revealed that “Our ambition is to develop and strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Nigeria. This ecosystem should enable youth to develop their business concept and become successful entrepreneurs, by providing them with the necessary opportunities, skills and access to markets. Through Orange Corners, we provide young entrepreneurs with a six-month incubation programme. At the same time, Orange Corners serves as a bridge between these innovative entrepreneurs and the private sector. This offers a great benefit to all partners involved”, it added.
