Six reasons to be at Coronation Hall on 13–14 December, whether you pitch, exhibit, or volunteer.
Are you a tech enthusiast, innovator, startup founder, student, or someone passionate about seeing Kano grow as a hub of innovation? Then mark your calendar for December 13–14, 2025, at Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano. It is your chance to be part of something big.
Organized by the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA), this is the maiden edition of the Kano Startup Weekend (KSW 2025). It is more than just an “event” — it serves as a launching pad for ideas, connections, and growth within the state’s innovation ecosystem.
What makes this event special is that it is an event for all categories of personalities in the digital ecosystem, including enthusiasts, startup founders, talents, sponsors, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Below are some compelling reasons to attend Kano Startup Weekend, and why KASITDA is promoting it.
1. Access to mentorship, funding and exposure
KASITDA is promising mentorship from experts and seed funding opportunities for promising startups.
In today’s startup ecosystems, the hardest gap is not ideas but execution — connecting with seasoned mentors, investors, and people who “get it.” This event gives you that chance. The pitch competition, with 20 selected startups, is one such avenue to showcase your idea and stand a chance of being supported.
2. Networking with a broad ecosystem
One of the strongest reasons to attend is the opportunity to network. Kano Startup Weekend emphasises bringing together founders, investors, policymakers, developers, and industry leaders.
You might meet someone who becomes your cofounder, mentor, investor, or collaborator. For early-stage founders, these relationships can dramatically accelerate your growth.
3. Showcasing innovation
There will be an innovation exhibition where startups, sponsors, and government agencies can showcase products, prototypes, or concepts.
If you have a project, app, device, or even a concept visual, this is your chance to showcase it, receive feedback, and establish your name in Kano’s innovation narrative.
4. Be part of Kano’s digital transformation story
KSW 2025 is positioned as a stage in Kano State’s Digital Transformation Agenda (2025–2030).
By attending, you’re not just doing your own thing; you’re part of a collective effort to shape Kano as a strong digital economy. That narrative can benefit you in the long term — being visible to government programmes, funding, or policy support.
5. Volunteer opportunities and personal growth
If you’re not ready to pitch or exhibit, there’s still a compelling way to get involved: volunteer roles. KASITDA accepts volunteer applications for marketing and communications, tech support, logistics, event support, programming and content support, partnerships, and more.
Volunteering is an excellent way to:
- Be inside the thick of it
- Understand how significant events are run
- Meet key players
- Build your credibility
- Potentially secure a seat in future events or projects
Ready to be part of the team? Get in touch to join the crew making Kano Startup Weekend 2025 possible.
6. It’s free entry, but high value
Whether you’re attending sessions or joining interactive panels, everything is open and accessible to the public at no cost. The cost barrier is lower compared to many conferences, yet the benefits are high.
Even attending parts of the event can yield new ideas, contacts, or motivation for your own ventures.
Kano Startup Weekend 2025 isn’t just an event; it’s the beginning of a movement to position Kano as Northern Nigeria’s innovation capital.
So, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars today.
Published by the Digital Economy and Innovation, KASITDA, 2025.