The Eko Innovation Centre, in collaboration with GDM Group, has unveiled MarkHack 2.0, a groundbreaking platform aimed at transforming the marketing and media sectors. Victor Afolabi, the founder of Eko Innovation Centre, made this announcement during the highly anticipated second edition of the Mark Hackathon held in Lagos. With a shared vision of fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, this initiative provides professionals and students with a unique platform to showcase their disruptive ideas to potential investors.
Participants will form teams of five and embark on a seven-week journey of brainstorming and ideation within their specific focus areas. Throughout the process, participants will have access to mentorship and resources from industry experts provided by Eko Innovation Centre and GDM Group. A panel of esteemed judges will evaluate the teams' pitches, ultimately selecting the top ten with the most promising concepts to compete in an exhilarating finale. The winning teams will have the opportunity to claim a generous prize pool of $10,000 and gain access to an exclusive acceleration program to further develop and refine their products for market readiness.
Victor Gbenga Afolabi, founder Eko Innovation Centre, emphasized the profound impact of the creative industry, projecting it to become the country's second-largest employer with the potential to create seven million jobs by 2025. He highlighted the transformative power of entertainment, media, and emerging technologies like the metaverse and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). In particular, Afolabi revealed that the metaverse could contribute an astounding $40 billion to sub-Saharan markets such as Nigeria.
Victor Gbenga Afolabi, Founder Eko Innovation Centre
The creative industry stands as one of the most dynamic sectors globally, driven by the rise of digital media, social platforms, and technological advancements. As the industry becomes increasingly digital, mobile-centric, and reliant on advertising, innovation becomes a crucial catalyst for growth. Afolabi stressed the importance of collaboration among the brightest minds in the industry, brought together by Eko Innovation Centre and GDM Group, to navigate this evolving landscape and seize emerging opportunities.
Mrs. Hannah Oyebanjo, the Managing Director of Redwood Consulting, recognized the potential of the creative industry to generate employment for young people. Recent research indicates that the sector currently employs approximately 4.2 million individuals across various industries, including media, entertainment, beauty and lifestyle, visual arts, tourism, and hospitality. Oyebanjo underscored the broad scope of the creative industry, encompassing advertising, architecture, the arts, video, photography, electronic publishing, radio, television, and more. She emphasized the industry's role as a reliable source of both cultural and commercial value.
Hannah Oyebanjo, Director Redwood Consulting
Nevertheless, Oyebanjo acknowledged the challenges faced by the Nigerian creative industry, including the need for greater appreciation of intellectual property, improved access to reliable data, enhanced marketing knowledge, and increased funding opportunities. She lauded Eko Innovation Centre and GDM Group for joining forces and organizing hackathons like MarkHack, which empower talented individuals to transform their ideas into innovative solutions that disrupt the market.
MarkHack 2.0, brought to you by Eko Innovation Centre and GDM Group, has the potential to unlock the creative prowess of the marketing and media sectors.
Through a focus on innovation and collaboration, these industry leaders aim to revolutionize the creative industry, creating a future fueled by fresh ideas, cutting-edge technologies, and forward-thinking solutions. As participants embark on this exciting journey, the Nigerian creative industry stands to immensely benefit from the power of collaboration, creativity, and disruptive thinking.
Photo Ops.
Lolu Desalu Chief Marketing Officer Filmhouse Group, Babatunde Fatai Senior XR & Metaverse Engnr at MTN
Victor Gbenga Afolabi, Hannah Oyebanjo
L-R Nnenna Onyewuchi, Co-founder Halo Express Victor Gbenga Afolabi, Hannah Oyebanjo, Iquo Ukoh, Chinedu Chuwkuji CEO Purple Entertainment Solutions Limited
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