Imo, US Firm Launch Free Startup Drive for 300,000 Youths
Maryam Aminu
In a historic push for digital innovation, Governor Hope Uzodinma has teamed up with Silicon Valley’s US Market Access Centre (USMAC) to launch a free startup programme that will equip 300,000 Nigerian youths with world-class tech and business skills at absolutely no cost to participants.
The initiative, unveiled during a media briefing yesterday in Abuja, is designed to discover, train, and mentor a new generation of Nigerian innovators and entrepreneurs.
USMAC, a respected Silicon Valley accelerator that has supported over 5,000 startups from 82 countries, described the collaboration with Imo as a decisive step in Nigeria’s digital empowerment journey.
Matt Ifesieh, USMAC’s Representative for Africa, said the programme directly addresses the country’s urgent need for inclusive digital growth.
“In today’s digital age, innovation drives every sphere of our lives. This initiative will equip Nigerian youths with entrepreneurial best practices, access to global mentors, and Silicon Valley venture capital and it is entirely free for those selected,” he stated.
The programme is a core part of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s Imo Scale Up Programme a five-year digital transformation agenda expected to create over 300,000 jobs and nurture thousands of startup founders. It will be implemented through the Imo Digital City Limited in collaboration with world-class institutions such as UC Berkeley’s Sutardja Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology.
Speaking virtually, USMAC CEO Dr. Chris Burry introduced the Founder Dojo concept, a Silicon Valley model designed to develop startup leaders through mentorship, training, and practical exposure.
“No one is born a founder. Founders are made through learning, mentorship, and experience,” Dr. Burry explained, noting that 95% of global unicorn founders had prior startup experience a culture the programme seeks to embed in Nigeria.
He praised Governor Uzodinma’s commitment to digital transformation, highlighting the Imo Digital City Project as a national benchmark for public-private partnership. The project has already trained over 60,000 youths and is backed by high-speed fibre-optic internet and stable power supply.
The free startup programme open to all Nigerians, regardless of state of origin will begin with pre-launch activities in August. Selected youths will receive world-class training in business pitching, mentorship from Silicon Valley experts, and advanced skills in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity. It will culminate in a competitive hackathon, offering participants global exposure and potential funding opportunities.
USMAC partner Dr. Collins stressed that the goal goes beyond creating startups to developing globally competitive leaders.
“We are helping young people build themselves, equipping them with the mindset and tools to succeed on the world stage,” he said.
Governor Hope Uzodinma’s bold vision continues to position Imo as a trailblazer in the digital economy. By opening the doors of this initiative to all Nigerians and ensuring it is completely free, his administration has demonstrated a rare blend of inclusivity, foresight, and commitment to the empowerment of young people. This is not merely a state project it is a national opportunity, a platform capable of shaping the future of innovation in Nigeria, and a clear statement that Imo is ready to lead Africa’s tech revolution.
