Renewable energy firm All On has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding clean energy access in Nigeria by empowering young innovators to develop technology-driven solutions capable of addressing some of the country's pressing energy challenges.
The initiative formed part of activities commemorating the organisation's 10th anniversary, culminating in the successful hosting of the All On @10 Datafest and Hackathon in Lagos, where students from leading tertiary institutions showcased innovative ideas aimed at advancing Nigeria's renewable energy sector.
Speaking during the event, the Chief Executive Officer of All On, Ms Caroline Eboumbou, said the hackathon was designed to inspire and equip the next generation of clean energy innovators while encouraging practical solutions that could strengthen Nigeria's off-grid energy ecosystem.
Reflecting on the company's decade-long journey, Eboumbou highlighted All On's investments in people, businesses and strategic partnerships that have helped expand access to affordable and sustainable energy for underserved communities across the country.
She explained that All On was established with the support of Shell to accelerate the development of Nigeria's off-grid renewable energy market.
"All On was seeded by Shell to catalyse the growth of Nigeria's off-grid energy market to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for low-income households and small businesses.
"All On provides debt and equity funding, as well as non-financial support, to Nigerian energy companies that align with its mission of closing Nigeria's access-to-energy gap through renewable energy solutions."
The competition attracted participants from various higher institutions, challenging them to design solutions that were not only technologically innovative but also commercially viable, financially sustainable, digitally enabled and capable of delivering measurable social impact.
Emerging as the overall winners were Team Current Creators, comprising students from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU) and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH).
The team impressed judges with ColdLink, an integrated digital platform designed to improve the efficiency of renewable energy-powered cold-chain logistics.
According to Eboumbou, the solution combines real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, fleet management and energy performance tracking to enhance the transportation and preservation of temperature-sensitive goods.
She noted that the innovation demonstrated the potential of digital technology to improve cold-chain operations, reduce post-harvest losses, increase operational efficiency and strengthen the long-term sustainability of renewable energy-powered infrastructure.
Reaffirming the organisation's commitment to youth development and innovation, she said the hackathon was a natural extension of All On's mission to support practical ideas capable of transforming Nigeria's energy landscape.
"For the past ten years, All On has invested in people, businesses, and partnerships that are expanding access to clean energy across Nigeria. The All On @10 Hackathon builds on that commitment, giving young innovators the opportunity to develop practical solutions that will help shape the future of our energy sector."
Projects submitted during the competition were assessed by a distinguished panel of industry experts, including Senior Consultant at SFM Limited, Bolanle Adesan; Project Developer at Carbon Limited, Dr James Ogunleye; Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Green Hub Africa, Henry Bassey; and All On's Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Associate, Babajide Sokeye.
The judges evaluated entries based on innovation, technical feasibility, commercial viability, scalability and their potential to deliver lasting social impact, underscoring the importance of developing solutions that can be successfully deployed beyond the competition.
The Datafest and Hackathon formed a key highlight of All On's 10th anniversary celebration, reinforcing the organisation's vision of fostering innovation, supporting local talent and accelerating Nigeria's transition to a more sustainable and inclusive clean energy future.