Imo Moves to Shape Global-Ready Innovators Through Founders Development Programme partnership

The Imo State Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government has hosted a strategic session with the Imo Digital City team and organizers of the Founders Development Programme (Founders DoJo). The engagement, held in partnership with the Berkeley Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (USA) and the United States Market Access Center (US-MAC), represents another bold step in strengthening digital capacity and building a globally competitive innovation ecosystem for Imo State. Speaking during the session, the Hon. Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to nurturing an innovation-driven economy. He emphasized that Imo is intentional and strategic about developing a strong digital foundation while equipping innovators with the right mindset to compete globally. “Imo State is already positioning itself as a leader in innovation and startup development. Our focus is to build a smart digital economy by supporting founders with ideas capable of becoming global products attractive to venture capital,” Dr. Amadi stated. He encouraged founders across Nigeria to take advantage of the programme, describing it as a transformational gateway for emerging innovators. In his remarks, the CEO of Founders DoJo and Co-CEO of US-MAC, Mr. Chris Burry, highlighted that the programme is designed to identify and develop founders with world-class potential, individuals capable of discovering the right ideas, building viable products and scaling to the global market. He further noted their collaboration with the world-renowned UC Berkeley Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, a leading institution known for producing high-impact startup founders, also stating that Insights from over 20 years of research into what makes a successful founder are being integrated into the programme to empower local innovators while aligning with international standards Mr. Burry revealed that experts from UC Berkeley will be in Imo State during the programme to train participants, who will upon completion receive an international certification from the university. He added that this marks the first African-based certification programme by the Sutardja Center, demonstrating confidence in Imo State as a promising innovation hub. Registration for the programme is free and currently ongoing until December 15th 2025, through the Imo Digital City official portal. Participation is open not only to innovators within Imo but to interested founders across Nigeria. The session was attended by the General Manager of Imo Digital City Ltd., Mrs. Stella Ezenduka; Managing Director, US-MAC Africa, Mr. Matt Ifesie; and staff of IDCL