TY-Dami Energy Resources, a Nigerian climate tech startup, has won the 2024 Swiss–Africa Academia-Industry Training (AIT) start-up competition, beating many rivals.
TY-Dami’s mission goes beyond the usual limits. Their vision, to transform refrigeration by combining cooling systems with carbon capture, tackles two vital issues at the same time: environmental impact and energy efficiency. As the world gets hotter and climate change worsens, the need to cut down greenhouse gas emissions becomes more important. TY-Dami’s approach matches the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 13: Climate Action.
TY-Dami’s technology offers a greener future for Africa. By using refrigeration processes to capture carbon, they reduce environmental damage. Imagine refrigerators and cooling systems that not only keep food fresh but also help to clean the planet.
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The Selection Process
From a group of twenty finalists from different sectors—biotech, agriculture, fintech, education, clean energy, and health-tech— TY-Dami Energy Resources came out as one of the thirteen winners. Respected judges carefully assessed each start-up’s potential impact and scalability.
In May 2024, these innovative pioneers will travel to Switzerland. The Swiss Residency Week promises immersive experiences, networking opportunities, and knowledge exchange.
Vice Chancellor Folasade Ogunsola, representing the University of Lagos, praised the Swiss government’s dedication. She stressed that Nigeria, with its huge population of 226 million, deserved to be included. Youth, making up a large part of the population, must be prepared to create their own opportunities.
Empowering the Next Generation
Unilag, as an educational institution, acknowledges its crucial role. “Our focus,” says Professor Ogunsola, “is empowering youths to become independent entrepreneurs.” Unilag aims to teach the entrepreneurial mindset needed for success.
The AIT-SASBI conference held at the University of Lagos displayed the dynamic, inventive, and skilled Nigerians. Professor Ogunsola’s words ring true: “We are not just starting businesses; we are forming valuable contributors to established enterprises. Frank Eggmann, Switzerland’s Consul General in Lagos, compared Nigeria and his own country’s history. Switzerland, once known for emigration due to limited opportunities, changed through innovation. Now, it sells solutions worldwide.
A Bright Future
Erich Thaler, programme director of the Swiss–African Science and Business Innovators Programme (SASBI), highlighted the initiative’s ten-year journey. SASBI supports start-ups by providing surveillance, testing grounds, and second opinions. As these visionary entrepreneurs get ready for Switzerland, their achievements reflect resilience, creativity, and the hope of a brighter Africa. The Swiss–African partnership continues to drive positive change.
About Swiss Residency Week, AIT
The Swiss Residency Week is a major event that brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries from around the world. Here are the main highlights: Starting on June 18th, participants meet in cities like Basel, Lausanne, and Zurich. The week offers a unique platform for networking, collaborations, and exploring business prospects. During the week, attendees have the chance to visit esteemed Swiss institutions, including:
EMPA: The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology.
EPFL: The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, famous for cutting-edge research and innovation.
IGE.IPI: The Swiss Institute of Intellectual Property.
FH Ost: The University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland.
The Swiss Residency Weekend on June 27th provides participants with a wealth of insights, connections, and inspiration. This immersive experience empowers entrepreneurs and catalyzes transformative change.
The Swiss–Africa Academia-Industry Training (AIT) start-up competition is a program that helps Swiss and African entrepreneurs to innovate and develop their business skills. The program selects promising start-ups from various sectors and provides them with training, mentoring, networking, and funding opportunities.