Introduction
"It takes a village to raise champions." This timeless saying highlights the importance of connection, collaboration, and thriving together.
When individuals unite with a shared purpose, remarkable things can be achieved. By pooling our strengths, skills, and perspectives, we create a powerful synergy that propels us towards success!
The Silicon Mountain Conference, more than a summit is the yearly breakthrough that all the tech community in Buea and around Cameroon look forward to.
What is the Silicon Mountain Conference?
The Silicon Mountain is the heartbeat of Cameroon's tech scene, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The Silicon Mountain Conference unites stakeholders in shaping and nurturing this dynamic landscape, creating opportunities and driving progress within West Africa's largest community-driven tech innovation and entrepreneurship gathering.
Sports Caravan And Opening Ceremony
Did you receive an alert?
I don't mean a momo alert though, but one from SMCON23!
That is how the conference started for all the registered participants, the message that announced the kickoff of the conference with the historical sports walk.
Just in case you missed it, there's a live recording to catch up on this year's edition of the innovation sports caravan, setting the ball rolling to launch the Silicon Mountain Conference for its 5th edition!
Telling the world about the SMCON23, what better than a press conference?
Conveying major media channels such as my Media Prime, VIP winners and a host of others.
In addition, having as panellists some industry top guns such as Mr John Etta. Co-founder of JONGO HUB, Mr Mokate Ashu, Mr Valery Colong (Co-founder of Activespace and Zinger System, Njibaloh Nji Samuel (Sales manager SW region- Orange representative), Mme Eposi Frida from DataGirl technologies, Mr Laye Mbunkur founder of BlueMoon and Miss Acha Cynthia the CEO and founder of Solar City.
The main aim was to brief the audience about what Silicon Mountain is, and especially what it is not...
To spread the word to the ends of the nation, because it takes a Village to raise Champions!
(Psst, you'll be reading a lot of that because it is this year's theme for SMCON23)
We're riding faster now as things are set up for a good start.
After the press conference, we had the authentic beginning; the Silicon Mountain Conference Opening Ceremony.
This session convenes with a series of officious hosts intervening for various speech-making activities and other talks.
In addition to these welcome speeches and keynotes from stakeholders and sponsors, such as the representative from ANTIC Cmr, the audience delighted in artistic interludes featuring the prestigious FHS choir, spoken word artist "InkMan" for his piece "Africa" and the best "BB" MC pair (MCs Broxy and Bishop) to delight.
While the entire set-up was already quite enriching and thrilling, we must add; that the party was only just getting started!
Major Highlights You Should Know
Spots on the second day of the Silicon Mountain Conference, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and excitement.
Participants gathered at Mountain Hotel, ready to dive deep into the world of startups and investment.
The day kicked off with a masterclass on Startup Fundraising and Investment, led by seasoned entrepreneurs and investors who shared their insights and success stories. Attendees were captivated by the knowledge and practical tips offered, empowering them to navigate the challenging landscape of securing funding for their ventures.
The energy soared to new heights as the Startup Pitching Contest commenced. Entrepreneurs took to the stage, armed with their innovative ideas and polished presentations. Each pitch was a testament to the creativity and tenacity of the Silicon Mountain ecosystem. The judges had a tough task at hand, as the competition was fierce, listening to over 25 amazing presentations each given 3 minutes to make an impact. Truly, the ideas presented were groundbreaking. The audience was on the edge of their seats, eagerly speculating who the winners could be.
Simultaneously, at the Buea Arts Complex Arena, a Cyber Security Workshop was underway. With the ever-increasing threat of cyber attacks, this workshop was a vital opportunity for participants to learn about the latest trends, best practices, and strategies to safeguard their digital assets. Experts in the field shared their knowledge, empowering attendees with the tools needed to protect themselves and their businesses in the digital age.
In another corner of the conference, an empowering gathering was taking place. The Women in Tech Hangout celebrated the achievements of women in the industry and provided a platform for networking and mentorship. Accomplished female tech leaders shared their experiences, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation forward. The event was a resounding success, spearheaded by figureheads such as Dr Fotabe Elmine, Asobo Joyce, Ngumih Fien, Eposi Frida and Njiki Michelle, the panel discussion was coordinated by Precious Natang. All inspiring women to embrace their potential and contribute to the ever-growing Silicon Mountain community.
As day turned into night, the conference continued to unfold, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. Tech enthusiasts immersed themselves in thought-provoking discussions on Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, and African Fintech Solutions.
The Buea Arts Complex Arena became a hub of knowledge exchange and intellectual exploration.
Meanwhile, the Hack My City Challenge was in full swing at Jongo Hub. Brilliant minds gathered to tackle real-world problems using technology as their ally.
The theme was to design a catastrophe and emergency management solution for the City.
To prepare them, the participating teams had an astute preparation by Dr George Mafany Teke - Senior Researcher, Geologist and Regional Delegate of Scientific Research and Innovation in Buea, on the topic "Leveraging Silicon Moutain for disaster risk management (DRM) in Cameroon"
Collaborating and leveraging their skills, over 15 teams of innovators worked tirelessly during a 24-hour hackathon to create solutions that would make a lasting impact on the community.
The energy in the room was electric, as participants tapped into their skills, creativity and passion to address pressing disaster and risk management issues.
Throughout the conference, technology's influence on everyday life was a recurring theme. Attendees had the opportunity to delve into various aspects of technology's impact, from increased business productivity to its transformative role in education. Tech Talks provided invaluable insights, leaving participants inspired and equipped with fresh perspectives.
The Little Details That Matters
The fourth day of the conference was marked by an Open Mic for Innovators, where tech enthusiasts took center stage to showcase their projects and ideas. The Innovation Showcase Village at Jongo Hub was abuzz with excitement as startups shared their visions for a brighter future. From revolutionary apps to groundbreaking inventions, every stand sparked curiosity and ignited conversations that transcended the boundaries of the conference hall.
The day concluded with a Fireside Chat on Mental Health and Wellness. In an industry known for its fast pace and high demands, this session provided a much-needed space for reflection and self-care. Experts delved into topics such as work-life balance, stress management, and fostering a supportive ecosystem that prioritizes the well-being of its members. The chat encouraged open dialogue, reminding everyone that success is not solely measured by professional achievements but also by personal fulfillment and happiness.
The SMCON23 Summit
As the conference approached its final day, participants eagerly anticipated the grand finale—the Silicon Mountain Conference Summit. This highly anticipated event would bring together industry leaders, visionaries, and aspiring entrepreneurs for a captivating morning of insights and inspiration. The Mountain Hotel Complex would be filled with a palpable sense of possibility and the collective determination to shape the future of the Silicon Mountain ecosystem.
Following the summit, attendees would have the opportunity to explore the exhibition stands and engage in networking activities. This interactive session would foster connections, collaborations, and the exchange of ideas, further strengthening the bonds within the community. Innovation and creativity would flow freely as participants discover the latest advancements and breakthroughs showcased at the Mountain Hotel Complex.
The Silicon Mountain Conference 2023 has proven once again that it truly takes a village to raise champions. From the engaging masterclasses and workshops to the awe-inspiring pitches and thought-provoking discussions, every moment was a testament to the power of collaboration, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in the transformative potential of technology.
In addition to the generous awards received thanks to the contribution of various sponsors and stakeholders. Considering 5 categories of competitions, each was set out for a grand prize of over 2 million francs CFA per category.
The various Awards were:
- The Content Creation Contest
- The Pitch Contest
- The Hack My City Challenge
- The Code Battle
- The Innovation Village Showcase
As the conference drew to a close, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. They carried with them the lessons learned, the connections made, and the inspiration gained. Armed with new knowledge and fresh perspectives, they were ready to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, armed with the tools needed to navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape.
The impact of the Silicon Mountain Conference extended far beyond the five days of intense learning and networking. Its ripple effect would be felt in the months and years to come as the ideas sparked at the event took root and blossomed into innovative startups, groundbreaking solutions, and transformative initiatives. The Silicon Mountain ecosystem would continue to thrive, fueled by the passion, talent, and ingenuity of its members.
The success of the conference was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Silicon Mountain community. It showcased the region's potential as a hub for tech innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting attention and investment from around the globe. As news of the conference spread, more entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts would be drawn to the Silicon Mountain, eager to be part of its vibrant ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the organizers of the Silicon Mountain Conference were already planning for the next edition. They aimed to build on the success of this year's event, expanding its reach, and further cementing the Silicon Mountain's position as a leading tech destination. They envisioned a future where the conference would continue to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of tech leaders, driving economic growth and social progress.
Meanwhile, we cannot leave out some outstanding participating parties to the SMCON23 such as Solar City and Nervtek CLI, with their respective CEOs and founders being Engineers Acha Cynthia and Nervis Nzometiah respectively.
In addition, the amazing Jongo hub team coordinating the entirety of the conference.
Here is what they did that was so outstanding:
1. Solar City:
Being a Cameroonian, you will understand the understatement it is to talk about "frequent power failure" in the country.
It is now such a routine that, you will believe the power service provider "ENEO" is everyone's nemesis, infamous for the sadly poor quality of service it provides, having to ration and micro-manage often. This results in many localities not always having power as required. Solar City via the coordination of its CEO Acha Cynthia came to the rescue with their backup power supply, which was indeed the step up!
They were able to provide over 5.5KW backup power supply throughout the week of the Silicon Mountain Conference.
2. Nervtek
In other News, with its program Nervtek Education, Nervtek brought forth its amazing kid talents trained during their holiday tech boot camp. Three young girls (Felsy-Bright, Daisy and Sonia) demonstrated extraordinary mastery and skill in showcasing their smart irrigation system.
In addition, Nervtek's CEO was very involved as an active partner throughout the conference with its CEO being involved in various keynotes, and presentations, to being a Jury for the Hack My City Challenge hackathon.
3. Jongo Hub
This incredible team saw to the fact that the whole coordination of the conference was a success.
They set out to make branded Tees and were always available at every stage to guide participants so that they may benefit from the full scope of each event.
Final Words
In conclusion, the Silicon Mountain Conference 2023, held from November 14th to November 18th, was a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on the tech landscape of the region.
It brought together visionaries, entrepreneurs, and innovators from around the world, providing them with a platform to learn, connect, and collaborate.
The conference showcased the potential of the Silicon Mountain ecosystem as a vibrant hub for tech innovation and entrepreneurship.
As the conference drew to a close, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. They carried with them the lessons learned, the connections made, and the inspiration gained.
The impact of the Silicon Mountain Conference would extend far beyond the five days of intense learning and networking. Initiatives like this cannot go unnoticed, leaving a mark that stands the test of time.
Although the much-anticipated Red Carpet Innovation Gala Night did not take place this year, the conference had already been a whirlwind of activities and achievements. The absence of the gala was a mere footnote in the grand narrative of the Silicon Mountain Conference. The true essence of the event lay in the knowledge shared, the connections forged, and the collective spirit of innovation that permeated every corner.
The Silicon Mountain Conference 2023 has proven once again that it truly takes a village to raise champions. From the engaging masterclasses and workshops to the awe-inspiring pitches and thought-provoking discussions, every moment was a testament to the power of collaboration, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in the transformative potential of technology.
In addition, there were generous awards received thanks to the contribution of various sponsors and stakeholders.
Considering 5 categories of competitions, each was set out for a grand prize of over 2 million francs CFA per category, distributed to the top 3 of the participating teams.
The various competitions for the awards were:
- The Content Creation Contest
- The Pitch Contest
- The Innovation Village Showcase
- The Hack My City Challenge
- The Code Battle
The possibilities are endless when people with common interests, shared passions and aspirations connect; collaborating to thrive, grow and make a difference, especially in their community.
Hence, we proudly urge you to anticipate the following edition; definitely bigger, better and much more impact-filled!
PS: Hopefully you loved reading this and getting the chills of the SMCON23 experience, (again, if you lived it personally).
So please, leave us a comment so we know you were here 😉
FAQs
What is the Silicon Mountain?
Inspired By Silicon Valley and home to the highest mountain in Cameroon is born the biggest tech ecosystem in Cameroon. Buea being the cradle of innovation and technology in Cameroon. However, everyone from far and near, present in or have an affinity with Buea and an enthusiast for technology is part of the Silicon Mountain.
Silicon Mountain isn't a person, a place or even a company. The Silicon Mountain is an ecosystem of creative and innovative tech minds.
What is the Silicon Mountain Conference?
The Silicon Mountain Conference is a 3-day immersive experience full of events, competitions and showcases in and around tech. The aim is to educate, inform, inspire, challenge, recognise, reach out and contribute to the growing tech space in the region.
What is the Biggest Tech Conference in Cameroon?
The Silicon Mountain is without any doubt the biggest tech conference in Cameroon. Bigger and better as the years go by.
What are the Biggest Tech Conferences in West Africa?
The top tech conferences in West Africa include Tech Unite Africa ( Lagos, Nigeria ) and the Silicon Mountain Conference ( Buea, Cameroon )
What is the Silicon Mountain Community?
Around the Silicon Mountain are members of the Silicon Mountain Community. The Silicon Mountain Community organises and participates actively in the Silicon Mountain Conference.
What is the meaning of Smcon23?
smcon23 Stands for the Silicon Mountain Conference for the year 2023. The 5th edition of the Silicon Mountain Conference. Also, smcon23 was the official hashtag of the 2023 Silicon Mountain Conference.
Why should you attend the Silicon Mountain Conference?
You should participate in the various activities organised during the Silicon Mountain as it gives you an amazing opportunity to learn, network and challenge yourself.
The Silicon Mountain Conference also enables you to discover what people are doing in the community, and get inspired and motivated to do great work yourself. Finally, the conference lets you enjoy technology in its pure and undiluted form, the dream of every tech enthusiast. View this video made by the community
