Nigerian schoolgirls develop anti-kidnapping app, emerge, finalists of $960k global prize

Nigerian schoolgirls develop anti-kidnapping app, emerge, finalists of 0k global prize

Two Nigerian schoolgirls have emerged finalists of the 2021 Young Tycoon Business Challenge after presenting a business idea for an app that could tackle kidnapping and abduction in schools.

The girls, Chioma Abone and Emmanuel Ilok, both students of Greensprings School in Lagos, said their product will use wearable technology to address the disturbing cases of abduction in Nigeria, especially those involving school children.

While presenting their idea to the Young Tycoon Business panellists, the students explained that their solution is twofold; an app called Airguard app and a supporting wearable that will help alert family and friends of the wearer whenever they’re in critical situations.

“We decided to work on an idea about a company called Paramount Guard, which seeks to offer security services to school students, not only in Nigeria but all over the world. The company plans to introduce AirGuard Wearable, which pairs with the AirGuard App to help students quickly alert family members and friends when in critical situation or a state of emergency.”

The girls said they were inspired by the insecurity in the country because as students, they are not happy with the news of the constant abduction of fellow students in some parts of Nigeria.

The Young Tycoon Business Challenge is a competition for High (Secondary) School students who have entrepreneurship ideas. Its aim is to engage aspiring entrepreneurs from across the world and granting them access to mentorship by Silicon Valley leaders.

More than 7,000 participants applied from 80 countries around the world. After three rounds of pitching and developing solid business ideas, 28 finalists have been selected to pitch at a later round.

The winning team will get $960,000 worth of prizes; $10,000 in cash and $950,000 in benefits.

They will also participate in workshops Entrepreneurship Clubs of Ivy League Schools.

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