Ibadan Startup Fest 2026: Oyo Deepens Drive To Become A Leading Technology And Innovation Destination
Ibadan Startup Fest 2026: Oyo Deepens Drive To Become A Leading Technology And Innovation Destination
The city of Ibadan is set to take another significant step towards strengthening its position as an emerging technology and entrepreneurship hub as the fourth edition of the Ibadan Startup Fest (ISF) targets startup growth, innovation, and job creation.
The annual technology and entrepreneurship festival, scheduled for November 28, 2026, will take place at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
The organisers announced this during a press conference held on Tuesday at the Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan, where they highlighted the festival’s growing impact on entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of ISF, Mr. David Adeleke, disclosed that the festival, which started four years ago with just 100 participants, has evolved into a major platform for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in Oyo State and beyond.
He attributed the festival’s growth to the active participation and support of the Oyo State Government, noting that the administration has deliberately positioned the state as a thriving technology hub with increasing global recognition.
According to Adeleke, this year’s edition will focus on how individuals and businesses can leverage emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to improve productivity, enhance operations, and scale their businesses.
He explained that the conference is designed for everyone, not just technology professionals, and will feature masterclasses, fireside chats, and startup pitch sessions.
He further disclosed that the one-day event will climax with a gala and awards night organised in partnership with the state government to recognise startups and individuals developing impactful solutions from Ibadan and other emerging markets.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT, Mr. Bayo Akande Jnr., commended the organisers for choosing to build in Ibadan rather than Lagos, which he described as an already saturated market.
Akande observed that Ibadan’s year-on-year growth as a technology destination has been supported by enabling infrastructure, including extensive fibre-optic deployment and Independent Power Projects (IPPs), alongside the success stories of companies that originated from the city.
He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, stressing that while government provides the enabling environment, the private sector remains central to driving innovation and business development.
“This sort of partnership is what is important. Government can create the rails, but it cannot drive the businesses itself. It is important that the private and public sectors work together. It is also important that innovative technologies are brought to Ibadan so we can move at the same pace as the rest of the world,” he said.
In his remarks, a partner of the programme and Chief Executive Officer of Cardify, Mr. Tunde Buremo, explained that the company deliberately established its headquarters in Ibadan, unlike many similar brands operating from Lagos, to demonstrate that business success is not determined by geographical location.
Buremo commended Governor Seyi Makinde for creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He added that platforms such as the Ibadan Startup Fest provide alternative learning opportunities through masterclasses and fireside chats, empowering young people while contributing to sustainable development goals relating to innovation, education, and youth development.
The organisers have called on technology enthusiasts, startup founders, investors, students, entrepreneurs, and members of the public to participate in the festival.
Interested participants are encouraged to register through the official Ibadan Startup Fest website.