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Category: Science and Technology

Russian Firm Challenges Elon Musk’s Starlink with Successful Satellite Tests
Russian company Bureau 1440 has successfully completed its initial tests for a laser inter-satellite link, making significant strides towards creating a competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink. The company, which specializes in low-Earth orbit satellite systems for high-speed data transmission, shared the news in a Telegram post on Monday.
In these tests, Bureau 1440 transferred over 200 gigabytes of data at 10 gigabits per second between satellites over 30 kilometers apart. This marks the first successful use of domestic laser inter-satellite communication in space by the company, demonstrating the technology’s viability and potential. Bureau 1440 plans to conduct further tests over greater distances, extending to hundreds of kilometers between satellites.
Like SpaceX’s Starlink, Bureau 1440’s satellites operate in low-Earth orbit and use inter-satellite laser links to provide global internet coverage. Despite Russia being barred from using Starlink, reports indicate that Russian forces have obtained Starlink terminals through a black market, deploying them in Ukraine.
Originally known as MegaFon 1440, the company announced a $76 million investment in a satellite data transmission system in 2020. Bureau 1440 launched its first three satellites in 2023, according to Russian business portal TAdviser. Last month, the company reiterated its goal to create a broadband data service for high-speed, low-latency global communications, akin to SpaceX’s Starlink. Bureau 1440 promotes its project as a revolutionary development, comparing it to Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite launched in 1957.
Bureau 1440 did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. The company joins several others in the race to provide global high-speed internet access via satellite constellations in low Earth orbit, including Starlink, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, Eutelsat’s OneWeb, and Telesat’s Lightspeed.

June 7, 2024
New ECW Climate Champion Adenike Oladosu Calls for Integrating Climate and Education Action
On World Environment Day, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) appointed Adenike Oladosu, a prominent young climate activist from Nigeria, as its new ‘ECW Climate Champion.’ Known as ‘@TheEcoFeminist’ on social media, Oladosu has been a leading voice for climate action in Africa, representing Nigerian youth at the Conference of the Parties (COP) Climate Talks since 2019.
Adenike Oladosu emphasized the urgent need to link climate action with education to address the interconnected crises of armed conflict, forced displacement, environmental degradation, and climate change. “To tackle the growing education and climate crises, we must act #RightHereRightNow to ensure access to quality education for millions of crisis-impacted girls and boys worldwide,” Oladosu stated. She highlighted how climate change is devastating regions like Lake Chad, leading to displacement, hunger, poverty, and violence, and called for robust action from global leaders at upcoming summits.
ECW Executive Director Yasmine Sherif praised Oladosu as a tireless advocate for climate action. “As our new ‘ECW Climate Champion,’ Adenike Oladosu is leading a global movement to merge climate and education initiatives, addressing the severe challenges of rising seas, extreme weather, and natural disasters that threaten children’s right to quality education,” Sherif said.
Oladosu is the founder of the “I Lead Climate Action Initiative” and was a key figure in launching the Fridays for Future movement in Nigeria. Her advocacy has mobilized millions globally. In 2019, she received the ‘Amnesty International Nigeria Ambassador of Conscience’ award for her climate justice efforts. With a degree in Agricultural Economics, she is also a research fellow for Alexander von Humboldt, focusing on climate change and ecofeminism, and has developed a curriculum benefiting people across Africa.
At the COP28 summit in Dubai, ECW called for US$150 million to support education for 2 million children affected by climate change, armed conflicts, and displacement. Denmark responded with an additional US$6.5 million to ECW, aimed at scaling up educational opportunities for children on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Sherif urged other public and private sector partners to follow Denmark’s example.
The World Bank warns that climate impacts could cost the global economy US$7.9 trillion by 2050 and displace up to 216 million people within their countries. Extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, are disrupting education and increasing dropout rates. Currently, 75 million children have their education disrupted by conflicts and natural hazards, with over 99% exposed to at least one major climate or environmental hazard.
In response to climate-induced emergencies, ECW is delivering rapid aid and long-term solutions in crisis-impacted countries like Bangladesh, Chad, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Syria. These efforts include building climate-resilient infrastructure, implementing disaster risk reduction strategies, and providing school meals.
World Environment Day underscores the necessity to integrate climate action into education efforts worldwide. ECW believes that with comprehensive education opportunities, every child can contribute to #GenerationRestoration.
June 5, 2024
*Nigeria to Host GITEX Tech Expo in 2025, Showcasing its Tech Ecosystem
By Milcah Tanimu
Nigeria is set to host the world’s largest technology exhibition, GITEX, for the first time in 2025. The Federal Government, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the event.
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, the organizers of GITEX, confirmed the partnership, stating that GITEX Global and GITEX Africa are organized by KAOUN International, which will lead the event in Nigeria.
Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, emphasized the significance of hosting GITEX in Nigeria, noting that it will provide Nigerians with unparalleled access to the global tech conference experience. He highlighted that this event will also aid in diversifying the country’s economy. Inuwa stated, “President Bola Tinubu is big and loud on trade and economic diversification, and you cannot trade in isolation. The President has mandated us to facilitate parts of this diversification.” He also predicted that the event could generate an impressive $25 million in revenue in just a few days.
GITEX Africa, currently running from Wednesday through Friday, features a diverse array of ICT companies and startups, alongside over 350 prominent investors, 600 conference speakers, and 100 government agencies.
LohMirmand expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, pointing out Nigeria’s strong track record in pitch contests, where Nigerian teams frequently secure top prizes. She highlighted that Nigeria boasts the fastest-growing number of developers in Africa, suggesting a potential increase in future winners.
“By bringing GITEX to Nigeria, we aim to tap into the country’s vast potential and explore the myriad opportunities it offers in sectors like AI, digital health, and fintech,” LohMirmand stated.
Previously, Inuwa had called for greater efforts in digital content moderation to curb hate speech, misinformation, and cyberbullying.
June 3, 2024
X3M Ideas Launches Youth Tech Empowerment Initiative
By Milcah Tanimu
Lagos-based creative agency X3M Ideas has introduced X3M Tech, a new initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerians with essential technological skills. The program, recently launched at Muritala Ajadi Animashaun Community Senior Grammar School in Surulere, Lagos, is designed to prepare the next generation for success in the rapidly changing digital landscape.
In a statement, X3M Ideas emphasized that this initiative is part of their corporate social responsibility and philanthropic efforts. The program will benefit at least 60 students from the school, with the top 10 performers in this year’s X3M Tech training program receiving state-of-the-art laptops. These laptops will be equipped with software and programs to support their ongoing learning and skill development.
“Our goal is to equip the next generation with vital technological skills that will enable them to thrive in our rapidly evolving digital world,” the statement read. “We firmly believe that by investing in the education and technological empowerment of our youth, we are not only shaping the future of our community but also contributing to the broader progress of our nation.”
Steve Babaeko, President of the Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria and a key figure in X3M Ideas, expressed gratitude to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his visionary education policies, which have paved the way for initiatives like X3M Tech.
May 30, 2024
Spotify to Disable ‘Car Thing’ Devices Without Offering Refunds
By Milcah Tanimu
Spotify has announced that it will disable all purchased Car Thing devices on December 9, without offering refunds or trade-in options. The company stated on a support page:
“We’re discontinuing Car Thing as part of our ongoing efforts to streamline our product offerings. We understand it may be disappointing, but this decision allows us to focus on developing new features and enhancements that will ultimately provide a better experience to all Spotify users.”
Spotify has not provided any further guidance for device owners, other than advising them to reset their devices to factory settings and dispose of them according to local electronic waste guidelines.
Car Thing, which never gained significant traction, was introduced in late 2021 but ceased production just a year later. Despite this, Spotify continued selling the product, even reducing its price by nearly half in an attempt to boost adoption. However, the decision to brick the device has left many customers with an expensive, now-useless gadget.
Spotify’s refusal to offer refunds has angered users, many of whom feel they have been unfairly treated. A Spotify Community member named AaronMickDee voiced his frustration:
“I’d rather not just dispose of the device. I think there is a community that would love the idea of having a device we can customize and use for other uses other than a song playback device. Would Spotify be willing to maybe unlock the system and allow users to write/flash 3rd party firmware to the device?”
Further exacerbating customer dissatisfaction, Spotify informed Ars Technica that the primary purpose of the Car Thing was to “learn more about how people listen in the car.” This has led to the perception that Spotify used its customers for market research and then rendered their devices useless once the research was complete.
The move highlights ongoing concerns about consumer rights and ownership in the digital age, where companies can unilaterally disable or alter the functionality of purchased hardware and software.
May 29, 2024
Elon Musk’s xAI Secures $6 Billion to Advance AI for Humanity
By Milcah Tanimu
Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup, xAI, has successfully raised $6 billion from prominent Silicon Valley investors and Saudi Arabian royalty. The funding round, announced over the weekend, included contributions from Valor Equity Partners, Vy Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, Fidelity Management & Research Company, and Saudi Arabian Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal along with the Kingdom Holding fund. This investment brings the company’s pre-money valuation to $18 billion.
xAI’s flagship product, Grok, is an AI chatbot designed to rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Marketed as a more edgy and open alternative, Grok recently made headlines for generating some controversial fake news stories.
The newly raised funds will be utilized to launch xAI’s initial products, develop advanced infrastructure, and expedite research and development of future technologies. Musk hinted at further announcements in the coming weeks.
xAI remains committed to developing advanced AI systems that are “truthful, competent, and maximally beneficial for all of humanity,” with an overarching mission to “understand the true nature of the universe.”
May 28, 2024
Nigeria Aiming to Secure N35 Billion to Restart Ajaokuta Light Steel Section, States Minister
During a news briefing on the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, revealed that the Federal Government is in the final stages of securing over N35 billion necessary to revive the Light Mill Section (LMS) of the Ajaokuta Steel Company. This announcement was made in Abuja on Thursday.
Audu mentioned that presidential approval has been obtained to source the required funds from a local financial institution, aligning with the administration’s commitment to bolster Nigeria’s economic standing. He further explained that the LMS possesses the capability to produce 400,000 metric tonnes of iron rods annually, playing a pivotal role in driving industrialization within Nigeria.
Collaboration efforts are underway with the Ministry of Works to supply iron rods essential for various road construction projects across the nation. Audu emphasized the importance of this collaboration, especially considering the substantial demand for iron rods in the construction of approximately 30,000 kilometers of roads across all six geopolitical zones over a four-year period.
In addition to industrial objectives, discussions with the Minister of Defence are progressing to rejuvenate the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON)’s engineering workshop. This initiative aims to enhance national security by facilitating the production of military hardware.
Plans are also in motion to revive the Ajaokuta 110 Megawatts power plant, which could not only power the steel plant but also contribute to the national grid. Due to financial constraints, the ministry is exploring public-private partnerships to secure funding, engaging in talks with potential investors such as Transcorp Power, NigerDelta Power Holding Company, and Reticulated Global Engineering.
Audu reiterated the ministry’s mandate to revitalize both the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, emphasizing the importance of leveraging expert knowledge and competence to achieve these goals. These efforts align with the president’s vision outlined in the Renewed Hope agenda, aiming to elevate Nigeria’s economy to surpass one trillion dollars by the end of the first term and position the country among the G20 economies.
To realize the revitalization of Ajaokuta Steel, a minimum investment of two million dollars is required, with plans to concession the company to entities demonstrating the capability to execute the necessary revitalization efforts.
May 27, 2024
“Climate Tech Opportunities for Developing Nations”
During the opening ceremony of BEYOND Expo 2024, Jason Ho, Co-founder of BEYOND Expo, welcomed Jon Creyts, CEO of Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), to delve into the pressing need for global collaboration, investment, and technological innovation in combating climate change. Creyts emphasized the multifaceted impact of climate change on health, livelihoods, and communities, stressing the interconnectedness of sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Addressing the imperative for policy changes and initiatives to drive technology adoption worldwide, Creyts underscored the transformative potential of electric vehicles (EVs) in regions like Delhi, where pollution from vehicular traffic poses significant health risks. He highlighted the economic advantages of transitioning to EVs, citing examples from countries like India and Nigeria, where embracing new technologies could yield substantial savings and foster economic growth.
Regarding accessibility and affordability of climate tech innovations in developing countries, Creyts framed the challenge as an opportunity for strategic intervention to redirect investment flows. He advocated for measures to expedite the transition away from carbon-intensive assets, such as carbon trading initiatives and Just Energy Transition partnerships, while emphasizing the need to accelerate innovation and scale existing solutions in sectors like steel, cement, and renewable energy.
In scaling up investment and fostering climate tech solutions, Creyts emphasized the pivotal role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in aligning research, capital, and infrastructure to drive systemic change. Drawing on examples from industries like aviation, shipping, and steel, he highlighted the importance of stakeholder collaboration in creating conducive conditions for transformative action.
Reflecting on the ideal superpower to combat climate change, Creyts expressed a wish to dispel the notion of fossil fuels as a source of security and instead cultivate belief in renewable energy as the path to a cleaner, more sustainable future. He emphasized the affordability and viability of renewable sources like wind and solar, coupled with innovations in battery technology, as key drivers of a transition towards a secure energy landscape.
May 23, 2024
Solar-Powered Fridge Operates Without Electricity, Runs for 40 Hours
By Milcah Tanimu
In many parts of the world, consistent electricity and reliable refrigeration are luxuries. This disparity highlights a broader issue: our reliance on unsustainable practices. EasyFreeze, a solar-powered fridge developed by Amped Innovation, addresses this by offering a sustainable alternative, crucial for a viable future.
Imagine living in Lagos, Nigeria, where daily power outages can last for hours. Here, a conventional refrigerator is almost useless, leading to low ownership rates. Enter EasyFreeze—a solar-powered fridge designed to function efficiently even with an unreliable or non-existent grid. This innovation is transformative for regions rich in solar energy but poor in infrastructure.
EasyFreeze is a cutting-edge fridge and freezer that can refrigerate in under 20 minutes and freeze in less than an hour. It maintains its temperature for up to 40 hours during power outages or cloudy days, ensuring reliability in challenging conditions.
A significant innovation within EasyFreeze is its use of an “ice battery” instead of traditional lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are expensive, prone to overheating, have shorter lifespans, and pose safety risks. The ice battery system uses ice pouches within the fridge walls to absorb and release heat, cooled by solar panels during the day or grid power when available. This system enhances safety, durability, and cost-efficiency.
Amped Innovation is deploying EasyFreeze in over a dozen countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, targeting hard-to-reach communities. Small businesses benefit from the ability to sell cold beverages and ice, while medical clinics can store medicines and vaccines at precise temperatures. The fridge’s design emphasizes off-grid efficiency, using proprietary circuits, software, and mechanical designs to deliver high performance in rural settings.
Durability sets EasyFreeze apart. Unlike many solar refrigerators that fail within a year, EasyFreeze is built to last. Assembling the equipment locally helps avoid steep import fees and reduce costs, ensuring affordability without compromising quality.
EasyFreeze uses R-600a refrigerant, which has zero ozone depletion potential and very low global warming potential. It is at least 38% more energy-efficient than other market options, thanks to its powerful 225W compressor and thick insulation. These features ensure fast cool-down times and long autonomy, maintaining efficient cold storage for up to 18 times longer than other freezers during power outages.
While the EasyFreeze is priced around $900, it remains accessible to middle-class families in countries like Nigeria. This price point reflects a commitment to quality and long-term affordability, emphasizing total cost of ownership over initial purchase price. Amped Innovation’s focus on high-quality materials and efficient design ensures unmatched value, broadening EasyFreeze’s reach.
Following the 2023 wildfires in Maui, EasyFreeze attracted interest in Hawaii, where high electricity costs make it economically attractive with a payback period of just two years.
As we recognize the privileges many enjoy, it’s crucial to address the need for sustainable innovations that bridge the gap for those less fortunate. EasyFreeze exemplifies thoughtful, eco-friendly design, providing reliable refrigeration in areas with unreliable power. Amped Innovation’s focus on efficiency, durability, and affordability positions EasyFreeze to become a conventional choice in parts of Africa and Asia, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
May 22, 2024
Zarttalent and Covenant University Partner to Empower Students with Tech Skills
Zarttalent, a foundation dedicated to fostering technological innovation among Nigerian youths, has partnered with Covenant University to equip students with essential tech skills. This collaboration was highlighted during the 2024 Career Fair held in Ogun State, themed ‘Limitless Future.’
The career fair brought together experienced professionals and innovative educators to inspire and guide the next generation of industry leaders. The event featured interactive workshops, insightful panel discussions, and networking opportunities, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
The partnership between Zarttalent Foundation and Covenant University focuses on providing final-year students, postgraduates, and IT-eligible students with practical knowledge and experiences crucial for their careers. Nelson Ajulo, CEO of Zarttalent Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating:
“At Zarttalent Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of education and technology. Our partnership with Covenant University for the 2024 Career Fair reflects our dedication to equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.”
Ajulo emphasized the theme of ‘Limitless Future,’ encouraging students to dream big, think creatively, and pursue their passions with confidence. He highlighted that this partnership aims to pave the way for a future filled with endless possibilities.
The collaboration comes in response to a 2022 report by the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency, which identified a significant gap between the IT knowledge provided by universities and the requirements of the tech industry. Zarttalent aims to bridge this gap by introducing students to advanced tech courses, enhancing their skills, and preparing them for the demands of the modern workforce.
In the first quarter of 2024, Zarttalent initiated partnerships with various Nigerian universities, starting with an event at Afe Babalola University in Ekiti State. This event attracted over 100 students who participated in tech courses and workshops designed by Zarttalent Academy.
The 2024 Career Fair at Covenant University marks the beginning of a promising journey for students, as they embark on paths filled with boundless potential and opportunities. Through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships, Zarttalent Foundation and Covenant University are set to shape the future of technology and empower the leaders of tomorrow.
May 21, 2024