Four Ogun State Startups Begin iHatch Cohort 5 Residency at N.E.Y.I Techpreneurship Hub

On the morning of Friday, July 17, 2026, four promising startups arrived at N.E.Y.I Techpreneurship Hub in Araromi, Ogun State, to begin a new phase in their entrepreneurial journey.

The iHatch Cohort 5 Physical Residency Programme officially commenced at the hub, bringing together founders selected to participate in one of Nigeria's leading startup incubation initiatives. The programme is delivered through the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The four startups participating in the Ogun State residency represent different sectors of the innovation ecosystem. They include Vant, a fintech startup led by CEO and Founder Damilare (Paul) Akolade; Pod, a manufacturing startup founded by Ab'dRasheed Aliu; GeoRAD Solutions, a GovTech and CivicTech company led by Edebo James Abah; and CashCrop AgribioTec Corporation, an AgriTech startup founded by Olugbenga Atobisan.

Although each startup is solving a different problem, they now share a common objective: building scalable businesses through a structured programme focused on product validation, mentorship, strategic partnerships, business growth, and investment readiness.

Unlike traditional entrepreneurship workshops, the residency places founders in an immersive environment where they receive continuous guidance from experienced mentors, collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs, strengthen their business models, and gain access to networks that can accelerate growth beyond the programme itself.

Speaking at the commencement of the residency, Adefisoye Adeshola Joseph, President of N.E.Y.I Techpreneurship Hub, reaffirmed the hub's guiding philosophy:

"At N.E.Y.I, we believe in co-elevation. When founders grow together, they build stronger companies, stronger communities, and ultimately a stronger innovation ecosystem."

That philosophy has shaped N.E.Y.I's approach to entrepreneurship development since its inception. The organization has grown into one of Ogun State's leading innovation hubs, championing digital entrepreneurship, rural innovation, youth empowerment, and technology driven business development through its Techpreneurship Hub in Araromi.

For Ogun State's startup ecosystem, the significance of the residency extends beyond the four participating companies. N.E.Y.I's selection as the state's iHatch Innovation Hub reflects years of ecosystem building and grassroots entrepreneurship development. Hosting the national residency programme further reinforces Ogun State's growing reputation as a destination for technology innovation and startup development.

The residency begins today, but its real impact will be measured by what follows: stronger businesses, new partnerships, validated products, and founders better equipped to build sustainable companies. For Vant, Pod, GeoRAD Solutions, and CashCrop AgribioTec Corporation, the next chapter has already begun.