54 hours of pitching, building, and launching at Coronation Hall.
Kano State Government will host the maiden edition of Kano Startup Weekend 2025 under the patronage of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The event, organised by KASITDA, aims to ignite innovation and empower entrepreneurs in line with the state’s Digital Transformation Agenda.
The Kano State Government, under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is proud to announce the inaugural Kano Startup Weekend (KSW) 2025. The event is scheduled to take place on December 13th and 14th, 2025, at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.
Organized by the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA), the Kano Startup Weekend 2025 is a cornerstone initiative of the state’s ambitious Digital Transformation Agenda (2025-2030). The event is designed to tackle key challenges faced by young entrepreneurs, including limited access to funding, mentorship, and modern business tools, by creating a dynamic platform for connection, learning, and investment.
With the theme “Igniting Innovation, Empowering Entrepreneurs,” KSW 2025 will bring together over 1000 participants, including tech innovators, startup founders, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders for two days of intensive pitching, networking, and knowledge-sharing. The event will focus on developing solutions for Kano’s priority HEAT sectors: Health, Education, Agriculture, and Transportation.
Key highlights of the event
- Pitch competition — 20 pre-selected startups compete for seed funding, investment opportunities and prizes before a panel of seasoned investors.
- Expert-led sessions — keynote addresses and panel discussions featuring government officials and industry experts on scaling businesses, securing funding and emerging technology trends.
- Innovation exhibition — a showcase of products and services from startups, sponsors and government agencies including KASITDA and KanInvest.
- Networking — dedicated sessions for mentors, investors and entrepreneurs to connect and form lasting partnerships.
The Director-General of KASITDA, Bashir Abdu Muzakkari, PhD, emphasised the weekend’s significance: “The Kano Startup Weekend is more than an event; it is a critical launchpad for the next generation of Kanawa entrepreneurs. It directly reflects His Excellency’s vision to build a knowledge-based economy and positions Kano as the leading hub for innovation in Northern Nigeria. We are creating a pipeline for talent, investment, and sustainable economic growth.”
The Kano State Government invites startups, developers, investors and corporate partners to join this transformative event. Participation is essential for those looking to be at the forefront of Kano’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.
For more information, registration and sponsorship opportunities, please contact us.
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Published by the Digital Economy and Innovation, KASITDA, 2025.