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Seven Nigeria-based startups have each been awarded $3000 to continue their efforts against COVID-19.
The funds are from the $21,000 Ventures Platform and its partners offered to startups following the recently concluded #COVID19InnovationChallenge.
Ventures Platform’s head of communication Joy Mabia confirmed the allocation of the funds in a press release issued on Friday. She added that the money would go into efforts aimed at mitigating the spread of the coronavirus disease.
According to Mabia, some of the firms that received the funds were GLOEPID, INFODEMICS, COVID Triage, and iQube Labs. Most of these startups have come up with innovative projects likely to help in contact tracing, risk assessment, and mentorship.
The beneficiaries will collaborate with other mainstream players like Sterling Bank, MTN, and the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Mabia added.
Olubayp Adekanmbi, the MTN Nigeria CTRO, confirmed that the company would work with the seven startups to ensure the projects succeed. The Telco giant will offer its “expertise and capabilities” to innovations that will bring a difference in the fight against the pandemic.
Nigeria Center for Disease Control
NCDC Director-General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, also commended the move by Ventures Platform and its partners. However, he noted that curbing further infections and flattening the curve needs the efforts of everyone in society.
Dr. Ihekweazu added that the government will seek to integrate innovative solutions with existing technology. Such technologies are already at use in contact tracing and surveillance among other moves.
The founder of Ventures Platform Mr. Kola Aina thanked all those who contributed to the funding. However, he felt that more could happen if the government and the private sector worked together to combat COVID-19. He also noted that startups would greatly benefit from the support of these two.
