Across Nigeria, thousands of young people are eager to participate in the digital economy, build technology solutions, and contribute to the future of innovation. Yet for many students, the challenge is not a lack of talent or ambition, but limited access to practical learning opportunities, mentorship, innovation ecosystems, and the resources needed to transform ideas into reality.
To help bridge this gap, SATH Foundation partnered with the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) to establish the FUTO AI Experience Centre, a dedicated innovation hub that provides students with access to emerging technologies, practical learning experiences, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities beyond the traditional classroom environment.
Since its launch, the Centre has become a growing community of learners, builders, mentors, developers, and innovators united by a shared goal: preparing young people for the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly evolving digital world.
At the heart of the Centre’s activities is the AI Open Studio Program, a hands-on learning and mentorship initiative held monthly. Through the program, students engage in practical learning sessions, interact with industry professionals, collaborate with peers, explore emerging technologies, and develop solutions to real-world problems.
The initiative has engaged more than 600 students and community members, hosted several learning sessions, supported project teams, and fostered a thriving innovation community within and beyond the FUTO campus.
However, the story of the AI Experience Centre extends beyond learning.
As participants progressed through the program, many began identifying challenges within their communities and exploring ways technology could be used to address them. Ideas that started as discussions and concepts gradually evolved into prototypes, products, and innovative solutions through months of mentorship, experimentation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
To provide students with an opportunity to showcase their work, receive feedback, and gain exposure to the broader innovation ecosystem, SATH Foundation launched the AI Builder’s Pitch Party.
The event brought together students, technology communities, ecosystem leaders, academic stakeholders, developers, industry professionals, and innovation enthusiasts for a showcase of products and solutions developed through the AI Open Studio Program.
Following a series of reviews and evaluations, five finalist teams were selected to pitch their solutions before a distinguished panel of judges drawn from across Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem.
The solutions presented reflected the creativity, resilience, and problem-solving mindset nurtured through the program, addressing challenges across sectors such as agriculture, compliance, productivity, and digital inclusion.
At the conclusion of the competition, Team F – NAIJA VOICE emerged as the overall winner of the AI Builder’s Pitch Party.
Team H – REGUTRACK secured the position of 1st Runner-Up while Team A – REFARM was recognised as the 2nd Runner-Up.
Beyond the recognition of winning teams, the event served as a demonstration of what becomes possible when young people are provided with access to the right environment, guidance, and opportunities.
The AI Builder’s Pitch Party was the culmination of a broader journey that transformed learners into builders, ideas into solutions, and potential into visible impact.
Today, the impact of the FUTO AI Experience Centre continues to grow.
The initiative has strengthened connections between students, academia, industry, and technology communities while creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and innovation. More importantly, it has provided young people with the confidence, practical skills, and real-world experience needed to move beyond learning and begin building solutions to meaningful challenges.
As Nigeria continues to expand its digital and technology sectors, initiatives such as the FUTO AI Experience Centre demonstrate the importance of creating innovation ecosystems that equip young people not only to consume technology, but to build it.
Through sustained investment in learning, mentorship, innovation, and community development, SATH Foundation remains committed to empowering the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and technology leaders across Africa.
SATH Foundation was established with a visionary commitment to drive sustainability forward. Our mission is centered around harnessing the transformative potential of technology and advocacy.
SATH Foundation is dedicated to integrating technology with social impact to create sustainable and positive change in communities.
Founded under the vision of Signal Alliance Technology Holding (SATH), an organization that has built a rich legacy spanning nearly three decades, merging corporate expertise and dedication.
We aim to harness the power of technology to promote development and well-being.
