Historic Night: The Freetown Pitch Night Hosts Sierra Leone’s Inaugural AI for All Sectors Pitch Event

Future Tech in Focus: Freetown Pitch Night 2025 Crowns AI Innovators

FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE – February 12, 2025 – Innovation Sierra Leone successfully hosted the groundbreaking Freetown Pitch Night (FPN) 2025, the country’s first-ever event dedicated to showcasing Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions across critical sectors. Under the theme “AI for All Sectors,” the event at Limkokwing University Gallery highlighted the transformative potential of AI in education, agriculture, and sustainability.

Event Highlights:

  • Theme: AI for All Sectors (Education, Agriculture, Sustainability)
  • Organizer: Innovation Sierra Leone
  • Location: Limkokwing University Gallery
  • Date: February 12, 2025

Event Structure:

  1. Welcome & Rehearsal (4:30 PM – 4:35 PM):
    • Pitchers participated in stage rehearsals to build confidence.
    • Host Georgette Sheriff commenced the event, acknowledging Mr. Francis Stevens George, MD of Innovation Sierra Leone.
  2. Opening Remarks (4:40 PM – 4:45 PM):
    • Mr. Francis Stevens George outlined Innovation Sierra Leone’s mission and the importance of AI-driven entrepreneurship.
    • He emphasized the significance of FPN and encouraged participants.
    • He also thanked GIZ representatives for their continued support.
  3. Keynote Address (4:50 PM – 5:20 PM):
    • German Ambassador to Sierra Leone delivered a keynote on “The Ethics of AI and Its Role in Sustainable Development.”
    • The address focused on ethical considerations, human rights, and the prevention of bias in AI development.
  4. Special Presentation (5:20 PM – 5:35 PM):
    • A representative from GIZ detailed their support for innovation in Sierra Leone, with a focus on education, agriculture, health, and environmental sustainability.
    • GIZ pledged technical support to the winners.
  5. Introduction of Judges (5:35 PM – 5:45 PM):
    • The judging panel, including the German Ambassador, Madhusudan Mukerjee (CODE), Alpha Omar Leigh (Limkokwing University), Hawa Yokie (IKYIC), and Colin Ogoo (Cristex Foundation), was introduced.
  6. Pitch Competition Guidelines (5:45 PM – 5:50 PM):
    • The competition format and Q&A sessions were outlined.
  7. Pitch Presentations (5:50 PM – 6:50 PM):
    • Six entrepreneurs presented their AI-driven projects:
      • Alex David Pratt – GeniStudio (AI-driven chatbot for customer service)
      • Abu Saidu Bundu-Kamara – Orla
      • Augustie Blango Jr – EcoRise Alliance
      • Edward Bob-Kamara – DataSynk
      • Hawa Kallon – SmartPikin (AI-enhanced educational platform)
      • David Conteh – FarmWise (AI-driven agricultural system)
    • Each pitch was followed by a 2-minute Q&A session.
  8. Winners Announced (7:05 PM – 7:20 PM):
    • Judges deliberated and announced the winners:
      • 1st Place: David Conteh – FarmWise
      • 2nd Place: Hawa Kallon – SmartPikin
      • 3rd Place: Alex David Pratt – GeniStudio
    • Winners received certificates.
  9. Closing Remarks (7:20 PM – 7:25 PM):
    • Ms. Hannah Campbell expressed gratitude to participants, sponsors, and partners.
  10. Group Photo & Networking (7:35 PM – 8:00 PM):
    • Attendees participated in a networking session.

Key Innovations:

  • FarmWise: An AI system to optimize farming practices.
  • SmartPikin: An AI-enhanced educational platform for children.
  • GeniStudio: An AI-powered chatbot for accessible customer service.

Impact:

The Freetown Pitch Night 2025 demonstrated the potential of AI to address critical challenges in Sierra Leone. Innovation Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering technological advancements promises to drive future growth and development.

Ngevao Sesay
2025 Pitch Night