Speakers & Sessions

Osh Agabi is the CEO of Koniku Inc, a company that is revolutionizing healthcare by turning bathrooms into healthcare data centers. By analyzing volatile organic compounds, Koniku's small form factor “smell cyborgs” or “smell processor” can diagnose diseases in real-time, using a machine learning backend for automated data classification. With Koniku's proprietary platform, individuals can manage their health from the comfort of their own homes, positioning the company to become a major player in the healthcare industry within the decade. Koniku has an impressive customer base, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, who use the platform to foster the Koniku Technology Integrator Ecosystem (KTIE), a community supporting businesses of all sizes. This unique, proprietary dataset and wetware technology enable healthcare professionals and consumers to collaborate in new ways, making every individual the CEO of their own health. Koniku's ultimate goal is to make healthcare accessible to all, empowering people to take charge of their well-being. With its innovative approach and cutting-edge technology, Koniku is transforming the healthcare industry and improving the lives of millions of people around the world. By creating a marketplace that enables collaboration between healthcare professionals and consumers, Koniku is on the brink of changing how we think about healthcare. A world where individuals have the power to manage their health, Koniku is leading the charge towards a healthier and more equitable future

Oji Udezue helps transform products and companies into market-defining successes. With board and executive product leadership experience at Twitter, Calendly, Atlassian, Typeform, and Microsoft, Oji brings rare cross-functional expertise spanning design, product, engineering, marketing, and sales enablement—the complete toolkit for building exceptional software companies. His signature achievement? Consistently turning customer-centric vision into exponential growth, most notably helping 5x Calendly into unicorn status. Working at the frontier of AI innovation, Oji is pioneering what's next in software development, having recently launched Typeform’s Formless and integrated AI capabilities throughout Typeform's ecosystem. His product leadership philosophy—captured in his book, co-authored with Ezinne Udezue - Building Rocketships: Product Management for High Growth Companies — delivers actionable playbooks and frameworks that transform companies into market-dominating forces through product-led growth. Oji's global perspective drives his passion for democratizing tech entrepreneurship and leadership across Africa, India, and South America as Managing Partner of Kernel Fund. He identifies and empowers diverse founding teams building transformative B2B solutions, expanding opportunities for elite talent worldwide, to create meaningful impact through the building and use of technology. Oji mentors the next generation of product leaders, sharing battle-tested wisdom through ProductMind’s Substack and strategic advisory work. His unique combination of enterprise-scale experience and startup agility makes him the go-to advisor for founders and product teams ready to launch their own rocketships.

Chukwuemeka Afigbo is the Convener of the Africa Deep Tech Community.

Ola Fadiran is a tech visionary, dedicated to transforming the semiconductor industry through innovative educational and design solutions at ChipMango. While our reach spans multiple geographies, our primary mission is to strengthen the United States semiconductor workforce by bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical, job-ready skills. At ChipMango, Ola empowers local talent and cultivate robust industry partnerships to drive sustainable growth in microchip education and design services.

Kristin Wilson is the Managing Partner at Innovate Africa.

Biola Alabi is a global leader, an experienced founder and investor with a demonstrated history in developing corporate strategies for Market Entry, Consumer Insight to Technology, Acquisition Negotiation, Sponsorship Outreach and the development of operational models that yield high impact organisational successes.

Taslim Salaudeen is the founder and innovation lead at Milsat Technologies Limited, a company that builds native GIS methodologies to advance geographic data collection and interpretation in Africa. Prior to Milsat, he worked as a census technology consultant for the National Population Commission, Nigeria, and the United Nations Population Fund, where he developed and deployed bespoke technical solutions and processes for the first Nigerian digital census and the post-enumeration survey. He has created and led several technical innovations that have reduced the time and cost of maps and vector data provisioning from 90 days to less than 15 minutes and increased the accuracy and reliability of the geospatial data.

Johnson Agogbua is an accomplished operating executive, internet technologist, and entrepreneur with an extensive track record of driving strategy, execution, and business results. Entrepreneurial mindset and founded multiple technology and services companies. Led ground-breaking business and technology initiatives at start-ups and major international companies.

Adia Sowho is the Chief Marketing Officer at MTN Nigeria. She is a seasoned marketing and technology executive with experience at Intel, Etisalat, and leading tech companies. She is a prominent voice on digital transformation in Africa.

Iyinoluwa Aboyeji is a Nigerian entrepreneur and investor. He is the co-founder of Andela and former CEO of Flutterwave. He currently serves as CEO and General Partner at Future Africa, an early-stage venture fund investing in technology companies building the future from Africa. He has been recognized as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree.

Kofi advises public and private organizations on emerging technology strategy and risk governance. He co-founded Rancard and, as CEO, guided the company to a patented innovation in contextual data graphs for conversational AI, used in over 80 languages. He currently serves as a non-executive director on the boards of Impact Life Insurance, MTN Ghana, IC Asset Managers and Rancard. Beyond boardrooms, Kofi has contributed to national and continental initiatives, advising on data governance and digital government architecture with the Tony Blair Global Institute, shaping youth digital empowerment strategy at the Mastercard Foundation, and mentoring startups through the Founder Institute. He has also served on Ashesi University’s Corporate Advisory Council. An Aspen Fellow, he is a regular contributor on emerging technology governance and on entrepreneurship in both global and African contexts. He studied computer engineering at Vanderbilt University, and technology policy in public administration at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Robert is the Managing Director, Africa (Semiconductor Partnerships, Arm AATP, Growth & Delivery) at Chipmango Limited, Africa's premier chip design and education company. He is working to spread the design and adoption of microcontrollers and edge AI on the continent. In a career spanning over two decades, Robert has worked with microelectronics, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Data, and built enterprise-grade software. Robert looks forward to a time when Africans will design and build their own chips and embedded systems with Machine Learning capabilities. He contributes to the developer ecosystem by speaking at events, hosting meetups and code labs, and giving tutorials. He is a mentor at the Google for Startups Africa Accelerator programme.

I am an Independent Researcher exploring the intersection of Decentralized Systems and Artificial Intelligence. With over a decade of experience in software engineering and technical leadership, I’ve dedicated my career to building scalable systems and leading teams toward purposeful, impactful work. Beyond my professional life, I enjoy reading, writing, cycling, hiking, playing video games, and spending quality time with friends and loved ones. I believe Open Source is the most powerful way to build foundational technologies and infrastructure that serve the common good.

Chizara Ibeakanma is an XR developer and researcher focused on using immersive technologies for education and training. Her work explores the effectiveness of virtual reality in improving waste sorting understanding and engagement, with applications in sustainability and environmental awareness.

Maxwell Maduka an inventor, avionics and robotics engineer. Built spacialnova (acquired) now known as Naerospace building UAVs for surveillance and data collection. Currently Co-founder & Chief Engineer at TerraHaptix- we build low-cost, robotic systems for core industries such as energy, mining and agriculture.

Laolu leads Leke Services, a firm focused on helping leaders build data‑driven, scalable mobility and energy systems. He has supported ecosystem research, market intelligence, and strategy work across Africa’s EV and battery sectors; including contributions to climate‑tech ecosystem analyses. His recent work focuses on building Nigeria’s EV market intelligence foundation, mapping key players across vehicles, batteries, and charging, and identifying the conditions required for bankable scale. He blends systems thinking, operational diligence, and clarity of execution to help stakeholders reduce risk, improve unit economics, and accelerate the mobility transition.

Daniel Getachew is the Founder and CEO of Guzo Technologies PLC, an immersive technology company based in Ethiopia, and a researcher working at the intersection of Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence, and digital heritage. His work focuses on designing human-centered XR and AI pipelines for education, cultural preservation, and sustainable creative industries across Africa. Daniel has led and delivered multiple XR and AI-driven projects in collaboration with international partners, including cultural institutions and development organizations. He is currently pursuing doctoral-level research in AI and robotics, with broader interests in ethical AI, explainable systems, and inclusive deep-tech innovation. Through projects such as TechStitched XR, his research explores how immersive systems and generative AI can be responsibly applied to amplify African cultural narratives while reducing environmental impact.

Pioneering the next digital frontier, Iyobosa leverages a decade of creative expertise to transform complex technologies into accessible, human-centric solutions. As the founder of Floats XR, he's dedicated to making emerging technologies intuitive and impactful through immersive technology and Artificial intelligence. With over a decade of experience in filmmaking, digital content, product design, and user experience design, Iyobosa is leading the charge in shaping the future of emerging tech in Africa. Publications: Featured in renowned platforms like Billboard, TechCabal, and The Guardian for his work in XR and the creator economy. Speaker at Art of Technology 5 Lagos (2023): A thought leader in Mixed Reality and AI, sharing insights on the future of tech. XR Inclusion Program Africa (2023): Contributed to advancing XR solutions across Africa, focused on underrepresented communities. MarkHack 3.0 (2024): Facilitator and partner in the innovation-driven MarkHack community, shaping the future of creative tech. Moonshot 2023 & 2024: Delivered impactful AR experiences for Africa’s leading tech conferences, pushing the boundaries of immersive storytelling. Winner HavardXR 2025 Ideathon TEdXAbuja 2024 Keynote speaker

Victor Obaro is an Embedded systems engineer specialising in IoT solutions architecture for emerging markets.

Dapo Sosanya CAP is a control systems engineer, technology architect, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in industrial automation, embedded systems, and cyber-physical infrastructure. He is the Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Cors Systems Technologies, where he designs ultra-low-power industrial IoT and edge intelligence platforms for remote and safety-critical environments across energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. His professional background includes senior technical and consulting roles with global automation leaders, delivering large-scale control systems, data acquisition, and digital transformation projects. A Certified Automation Professional (CAP) and senior member of the International Society for Automation, Dapo has led initiatives bridging field instrumentation, control systems, and modern analytics. His current work focuses on resilient edge AI architectures, industrial data engineering, and practical AI deployment under real-world constraints, with an emphasis on safety, reliability, and deployability in remote industrial operations.

Ifeoluwa Obayemi is a software engineer with hands-on experience building backend systems and scalable APIs across fintech, telecom, and platform-based products. Her work focuses on clean architecture, system reliability, and developer-first engineering practices. She has delivered technical talks at developer conferences and actively mentors engineers on building resilient, production-ready systems.

Emmanuel Saviour is a hardware engineer and researcher in electrical and electronics engineering at Pan-Atlantic University, Nigeria. His work focuses on signal integrity, interconnect behavior, and the design of reliable hardware systems for energy and infrastructure applications. He recently presented peer-reviewed research at an IEEE conference, contributing to ongoing discussions on high-speed electronics and practical system reliability. Emmanuel is the co-founder and hardware engineering lead at Auptex, a startup building practical, Africa-ready embedded and energy systems, and serves as president of the SST Makerspace, where he leads student-driven hardware innovation and hands-on engineering education. He has also participated in international technical training with AED Energy in the United Kingdom on long-duration thermal energy storage systems under the Innovate UK ZE-Gen program. Driven by curiosity and real-world impact, Emmanuel is passionate about strengthening Africa’s hardware and deep tech ecosystem through research, collaboration, and accessible engineering practice.

​Olatunji Gbolahan Fawaz is an undergraduate researcher and student of Electronic and Computer Engineering at Lagos State University (LASU), where he maintains a distinguished 4.34 CGPA. He is currently a Machine Learning Intern at Saiket Systems, specializing in data preprocessing, exploratory analysis, and model implementation using Python libraries such as Scikit-learn, Pandas, and NumPy. A recognized student leader, Olatunji has received multiple "Head of Class" awards from the LASU Student Union and the Nigerian University Engineering Student Association (NUESA). He serves as an Academic Tutor for LASU RAIN INN (Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria), where he has mentored over 50 students in programming fundamentals. Olatunji is a student member of Engineers Australia and NIEEE, committed to advancing inclusive AI solutions and deep tech innovation within the African ecosystem.

Papa Tahibou Tall is an Industrial Engineering student and deep tech innovator focused on building practical technology solutions for Africa. He develops immersive learning tools that bridge the gap between theory and real-world skills, especially in contexts where access to laboratories and training infrastructure is limited. He is currently building UniVRsity, a Unity-based Virtual Reality platform designed to support both school education and vocational training through interactive simulations and scenario-based learning. His work emphasizes affordability, scalability, and relevance to African environments. Through innovation programs and technical projects, he aims to contribute to Africa’s deep tech ecosystem by creating systems that improve learning quality, accessibility, and workforce readiness.

Isiaq Gbadamosi is an XR engineer and educator currently working as an AR/VR Specialization Faculty member at African Leadership University where he facilitates advanced learning in immersive design and XR development. He has over six years of experience designing and building AR/VR training systems across education, safety, and industrial operations. He has extensive hands-on experience with Unity-based XR systems, standalone headset optimization, interaction system design, and performance-constrained simulation development.

I'm Chima Nwakigwe, a software engineer with 7+ years of experience, focused on AI/ML. I've worked with dev teams both in Nigeria and abroad, building real-world solutions across different context. I’m the founder of Cereloop, a deep tech community dedicated to solving local challenges through open-source innovation. Right now, we are building lightweight, offline-first AI models trained on Nigeria’s curriculum to support students prepping for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB. I’m also co-founder of Nodex iHub, where I’ve led developer training programs, including Nigeria’s 3MTT initiative, and collaborated with Data Science Nigeria to scale AI education. My work is centered on open-source, local context, and building tools that actually work where infrastructure is limited.

I am a graduate of Electronics and Computer Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and an AI researcher with Omenuko Technologies, Awka, Nigeria

Nyekach Wihioka is a product designer and systems thinker specializing in complex technical platforms. He has experience bridging AI, robotics, and data-driven systems with human-centered design, focusing on usability, operational reliability, and risk-aware product development. Nyekach has led product design and strategy for AI-enabled robotics and software platforms, translating prototypes into production-ready systems deployed across high-stakes environments. His work emphasizes system interpretability, trust, and safety while navigating real-world constraints, including infrastructure limitations, energy reliability, and diverse operator skills. Nyekach combines engineering knowledge with design methodology to provide actionable insights for builders and engineers seeking to deploy deep tech solutions effectively.

Musa-Iman is a software & AI/ML engineer and founder of AgroLati Systems Ltd., specializing in edge-first IoT systems, applied AI/ML models, and resilient infrastructure tailored to local realities. His work includes custom AI software for enterprise clients, and building systems that address foundational gaps in technology ecosystems of emerging markets. Combining product development, strategic leadership, and hands-on engineering, he tackles complex, real-world problems. Through AgroLati, he develops context-aware agritech infrastructure that integrates AI-driven insights to improve operational efficiency, sustainability, and crop productivity, contributing to food security. He shares part of his journey publicly to inspire the next generation of builders creating high-impact solutions for emerging markets.

Grace Okubo uses strategic foresight to tackle complex problems for organisations.

I work at the intersection of AI, embedded systems, and agriculture. My focus is on building practical deep tech solutions that address Africa’s environmental and infrastructure constraints. My work involves developing low power sensing tools, edge-AI models, and field tolerant hardware for farming systems. Through projects like AgroGuard, I’ve gained hands on experience designing and testing prototypes in real farm environments, where issues like unstable power, harsh weather, and limited datasets shape every engineering decision. I’m passionate about pushing locally relevant innovation and helping expand Africa’s capacity to build its own deep-tech solutions.

I am a results-driven Software Engineer and founder with hands-on experience in AI/ML development, RAG implementation, and full-stack application development. As Founder and CEO of Visio, I lead a digital agency that delivers AI and automation solutions. As Co-Founder of Ananse x Visio, I focus on offline, AI-driven education systems that bridge the quality gap for learners in Ghana’s rural regions, without relying on the Internet. I also serve as Partner and Lead Software Engineer at OH Consulting, where I orchestrate software delivery across diverse client portfolios, and as a Partner at Sync Tech, where we are rethinking attendance and presence tracking for organisations. My previous work as an IMS and Automation Intern at Nestlé NBS, as well as my role as a Sound Engineer building automated streaming systems, sharpened my focus on reliability, systems thinking, and user experience.

Sylvester Agose is a final-year Aerospace Engineering student at Lagos State University, specializing in spacecraft structures and satellite systems. His research interests include adaptive structural technologies, machine learning applications in space systems, and sustainable spacecraft design for emerging space programs. Sylvester is passionate about advancing African space capabilities through innovative engineering solutions and aspires to pursue graduate studies in aerospace structures and satellite systems engineering.

I am David Ezefuna, a Mechatronics and AI Engineer with over five years of experience spearheading technical innovation in the entertainment industry. As the Technical Director at Nsibidi Fables, I operate at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence, specializing in the development of specialized workflows that bridge the gap between traditional artistry and modern automation. My work focuses on leveraging deep learning and computer vision to solve complex production bottlenecks, ensuring that regional storytelling is empowered by state-of-the-art technological solutions.

Honorebel Walker is an engineer and builder from Oakland, California, focused on developing autonomous systems for disaster response and critical infrastructure protection. His work bridges defense-grade autonomy with humanitarian and civilian applications, emphasizing proactive monitoring over reactive response. Through SpaceTime Robotics and Honorebel Technologies Inc., he leads the design and deployment of autonomous surface and subsea platforms aimed at protecting global communications and essential infrastructure.

Thapelo Mothatego is a materials and photonics engineer from Botswana with a background spanning nanomaterials, optical sensing, graphene-based electronics, and physics-driven device modelling. He completed an MEng in Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London, where he worked on graphene device fabrication and hybrid sensor architectures. He is currently a DPhil student in Materials at the University of Oxford, focusing on nanoparticle detection using optical microcavities, polarization analysis, and advanced signal extraction methods. His current direction centres on hybrid optical–electrochemical biosensing for next-generation wearable health monitoring, integrating nanomaterials, optical interrogation schemes, and low-power embedded systems. Thapelo works at the intersection of materials science, optical physics, and device engineering, with a long-term goal of building deep-tech platforms for high-precision, continuous biomedical monitoring.

Samuel Ajala is a final-year Electronics and Computer Engineering student with a strong passion for building innovative solutions at the intersection of machine learning, and embedded systems. He has hands-on experience in developing end-to-end machine learning pipelines, implementing robotics projects, and designing hardware-software integrated systems. Samuel has applied his skills to projects ranging from wearable health monitoring devices to robotics and embedded systems projects, demonstrating his ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical, real-world solutions. As an ML Engineer, he has experience building LLM applications with Python, data processing, and developing models for time-series forecasting and predictive analytics. His expertise also spans embedded programming with microcontrollers such as ESP32/C3 and sensor integration. Samuel is particularly interested in leveraging technology to solve problems in underexplored areas, with a focus on solutions that are low-cost, accessible, and personalized. Outside of his academic and technical pursuits, Samuel actively contributes to technology communities and hackathons, mentoring peers and exploring emerging technologies in AI and Robotics.

Innovation and strategy leader with experience supporting technology entrepreneurs and innovators globally. At the largest innovation center in Africa, I supported 120+ startups across the continent to raise millions of $ in funding, create thousands of jobs and build high-growth enterprises. I led Pan-African innovation projects with global organizations like Facebook, Airbus, Google, GIZ and more. At MAGIC Fund, I led global operations and built one of the few truly global early-stage funds. Our $30M fund has invested in 220+ companies across five (continents) and 20 countries, creating thousands of jobs. Currently in service to my nation as a Technical Adviser to the visionary Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr 'Bosun Tijani. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and capital, I support the execution of nationwide projects with a mission to unearth #NigerianExcellence. Privileged to be coordinating the implementation of the largest technical talent accelerator in the world, 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme. We have a goal to equip 3 million Nigerians with the skills of the future, create millions of jobs, drive innovation and unlock prosperity for my dear nation, Nigeria.

Dayo McIntosh is a founder, operator, and systems thinker building at the intersection of robotics, innovation, and emerging markets. She is the founder and CEO of Yateou, Inc., a category-defining beauty and wellness company that integrates AI and robotics to create personalized products on demand. Dayo holds a robotics patent and multiple trademarks, reflecting her focus on building adaptable, future-ready technology platforms rather than single-use solutions. Before entrepreneurship, Dayo spent over a decade leading people, processes, and large-scale projects across Energy, Oil & Gas, Tech, Real Estate, and Construction. Her experience includes managing capital projects at Chevron, optimizing operations across an 8-million-square-foot campus at Facebook, and overseeing real estate portfolios at Hines and CBRE. This cross-industry background shaped her operator mindset and ability to apply technology creatively to real-world challenges. A first-generation immigrant who has lived across three continents, Dayo brings a global perspective rooted in curiosity, resilience, and out-of-the-box thinking. She is deeply committed to building human-centered technologies that create meaningful impact.

Josh Ayokhai is a product engineer, co-founder, and CTO building at the intersection of robotics and manufacturing in Africa. Born and raised on the continent, he spent years in the United States working as a software engineer and studying Systems Engineering and Engineering Management at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, while quietly tinkering with hardware on the side. That tinkering never stopped. It became a string of personal projects, technical team leads, and an increasingly clear conviction: the problems he actually wanted to solve were back home, in industry, in maritime, in the physical world. He returned to Africa to build those solutions. His current venture is a stealth-stage robotics and manufacturing company tackling some of the hardest infrastructure problems on the continent. He is a firm believer that Africa does not need to wait for the world to build the tools it needs, and that the talent to do it already exists here. When he is not building, he writes about deep tech, engineering, and what it actually takes to build hardware in Africa.