Girl Abducted in Chibok Now Wins Startup Pitch Competition

Chibok abduction survivor Mary Katambi has won the SASIE “Idea to Venture” pitch with her sustainable startup Kaiki, earning grants, mentorship, and media features alongside fellow winner Dr. Irene Udebuana of Robotprof.

Mary Katambi, a survivor of the 2014 Chibok schoolgirl abduction by Boko Haram, has triumphed in the final “Idea to Venture” pitch of the Sought After School of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SASIE). Her innovative startup, Kaiki, is an online marketplace championing sustainable fashion and eco‑friendly household goods.

Katambi shared that her aim is to foster recycling, sustainable living, and community empowerment. She expressed heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging that the SASIE program provided the confidence and tools she needed to develop her vision into a viable business.

Also honored at the event was Dr. Irene Udebuana, founder of Robotprof, a climate‑tech education initiative that teaches children (aged 7 to 16) coding, robotics, and green‑technology skills—preparing the next generation for a sustainable future.

SASIE founder Dr. Jennifer D. Daniel praised both winners, stating:

“Mary and Irene embody exactly why SASIE exists: to unlock bold ideas and build powerful women‑led ventures across the continent.”

As winners, Katambi and Dr. Udebuana will receive:

• Founder’s grants
• Mentorship
• The opportunity to apply as pioneer ventures to the Eunoia VC incubator
• Media exposure, including a feature on Women Radio 91.7’s Startup Sisi program

READ ALSO: Good News: Kidnapped UNN students regain freedom

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, NAIJANEWS