Tech Derby, a growing community-led initiative in the UK Midlands, has hosted another strategic gathering at the University of Derby’s Game Changer Labs, bringing together African founders, technologists, students and university leaders to champion community-powered innovation.Positioned as a bridge between the UK tech ecosystem and Africa’s expanding talent networks, the initiative is drawing contributors whose work spans Nigeria, the continent and the global diaspora.
The University of Derby reaffirmed its support for the initiative, positioning academic institutions as neutral ground where industry players, policymakers and grassroots innovators can collaborate.Professor Mark Gilman, Professor of Economics and a leading voice at the University’s Regional Economic Observatory, set the tone with insights on SME performance and his “Transformation Triangle” a framework linking mindset, business strategy and digital transformation.He pledged to provide the tools to Tech Derby participants to help accelerate founder success.Head of Enterprise, Samantha Deakin, described Game Changer Labs as a living innovation hub where students and founders can test ideas in real time. Enterprise Manager Oliver Stonier added that structured pathways now exist for students and graduates to plug directly into Tech Derby as a bridge between academic concepts and market realities.
The gathering also spotlighted emerging innovators across sectors.Tope Akande, Founder of BucksTrybe, showcased his fintech solution for “credit-invisible” users — immigrants and young adults unable to prove traditional creditworthiness. BucksTrybe leverages open banking and community-backed data to help users build reliable credit histories.Representing McAnderson, Oluwatobi Akinlade introduced Mastery Quest, a gamified maths-learning platform designed to replace maths anxiety with small, consistent wins. Parents receive simple progress scorecards, ensuring students remain engaged and accountable.Blockchain and Web3 expert Gbenga Toba Ajiboye demonstrated how decentralised technologies are already solving trust and verification challenges in sectors that still depend on outdated, manual processes.
He noted that Africa is adopting these tools “faster than many global observers realise.”Within the Tech Derby leadership team, Joseph Origbo, Community & Innovation Lead, brings expertise in AI, data and ecosystem building from his work with McAnderson Institute of Technology and cross-border UK–Africa programmes.He curates themes for the community, links Derby talent to global networks, and helps participants explore practical applications of emerging technologies.Community & Partnerships Coordinator Omolara Oladipupo focuses on strengthening the human fabric of Tech Derby, ensuring new attendees, students and seasoned founders feel welcomed and supported, while nurturing relationships that evolve into meaningful collaborations.Founder Akindayo Akindolani, whose work spans Nigeria and the UK, said the mission remains clear.“We’re creating a space where an African founder in the UK can test ideas, a student can find a mentor, and a professor’s research can actually reach businesses. Tech Derby is about community first. From there, we connect Derby to the wider African tech story.”
