By Ani Ruth, Chikezie Emmanuel and Ogene Rita

A final-year law student of ESUT, Nwachukwu Favour Chiamaka, has emerged winner of the first ESUT ICT & Innovation Hub Tech Pitchathon after impressing judges with an AI-powered healthcare platform designed to help elderly people manage chronic illnesses and medication adherence.

Nwachukwu Favour Chiamaka, a 500-level Law student at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), won the competition with CareCheck 360, a digital health platform that reminds elderly users to take medication, exercise, attend medical appointments, and monitor vital signs.

The platform also generates weekly health reports for caregivers and healthcare providers, extending patient support beyond hospital visits.

The competition, organised by the ESUT ICT & Innovation Hub in collaboration with the university, brought together student founders pitching technology solutions across healthcare, civic technology, education, logistics, and fintech.

Delivering the keynote address, Uchenna Charles Emembolu, Founder and CEO of Crestsage Limited, described universities as the next frontier of Africa’s innovation ecosystem, urging students to transform promising ideas into scalable businesses.

According to him, the continent’s biggest challenge is not a lack of talent but the absence of structures that help young innovators commercialise their ideas.

“Africa has no shortage of brilliant ideas; what we often lack is the ecosystem that helps founders move from concept to company. Competitions like this create that bridge by connecting talent with opportunity,” he said.

Emembolu encouraged participants to see the Pitchathon as more than a contest, saying the ultimate goal should be building products that solve real problems and attract users, investors, and ensure long-term sustainability.

Speaking at the event, General Manager of the ESUT ICT & Innovation Hub, Hon. Elvis Obinna Nwankwo, described the competition as a platform for nurturing the next generation of technology entrepreneurs, encouraging students to leverage the opportunities available through the university’s growing innovation ecosystem.

Nwankwo also emphasized the significance of the opportunity for the students.

“You people are so privileged. We never had this kind of opportunity while growing up, having technology to do things. It is interesting that this digital age is transforming things. Some of you here are 17 and 18 years old. So, you are privileged to be here. It is not easy. Today’s event is not a small stage. The level of people that are here, I am sure the Vice Chancellor will be glad with what he has seen. Professors here know what we are talking about, and this is a big stage where we grow each and every student. This is a very interesting competition because we are really having an Eastern version of ‘Dragons Den’ in ESUT.”

He appreciated the professors and guests for gracing the occasion and thanked the judges, as well as the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius Michaels Nnabugwu Okolie, who was represented by Prof. Nnenna Nzeribe, for their support.

In his remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nzeribe encouraged students to actively participate in such technological programs, as it is a modern way of education and empowerment.

“You are opportune to be here and experience technological and ICT training while in school. It is an opportunity that must be utilized for the growth of the participants individually.”

It was reported that CareCheck 360 emerged ahead of nine other startups, including TrueVoteNG, CampusPad, MOBOX, Goldsub, GradePulse, and Doorsteps Campus Logistics. Victor Jonah’s CampusPad finished second, while Odoabuchi Joshua’s Anongist claimed third place.

Building healthcare for ageing populations

Unlike many health applications that primarily target smartphone users, CareCheck 360 is designed to reach elderly people regardless of the devices they use.

Speaking after her victory, Chiamaka described the platform as one that combines artificial intelligence with multiple communication channels, including SMS, voice calls, USSD, and web access, to ensure that older adults in both urban and rural communities receive medication reminders and health prompts.

She stated that the technology enables the startup to generate revenue through partnerships with hospitals, health maintenance organisations (HMOs), government agencies, and NGOs rather than charging users directly.

She also opined that the inspiration behind the innovation came from observing how older people often struggle to remember medications and medical appointments after leaving hospitals.

Chiamaka also cited World Health Organization estimates showing that many patients living with chronic illnesses do not consistently follow prescribed treatments, arguing that digital follow-up could improve adherence and health outcomes.

“Most technology products focus on young people, but elderly people also deserve solutions built for them,” she said. The project is still evolving and is seeking technical mentorship, partnerships, and sponsorship to move from prototype to wider deployment.

Student innovation takes centre stage

The Pitchathon marked the debut edition of the ESUT ICT & Innovation Hub’s startup competition, showcasing student-built products addressing real-world challenges.

Ifeanyichukwu Martins, Pitchathon Coordinator, also shared his thoughts on the event:

“The ESUT ICT & Innovation Hub Tech Pitchathon is truly a landmark debut for campus technology. It was indeed a landmark first edition that redefined innovation and set a new benchmark for technology events on campus. The first-ever Tech Pitchathon was a resounding success, attracting remarkable participation and showcasing exceptional technological talent.”

However, the overall winner received a ₦100,000 cash prize from the Hub, with additional financial support from ESUT’s Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Ifeoma Okwo, and the university’s Director of Research and Innovation, Professor Harmony Nwobodo Nzeribe, while the runners-up also received cash prizes.

The event also attracted students, academics, startup founders, and ecosystem stakeholders, which highlighted the university’s ambition to strengthen entrepreneurship and digital innovation within its academic community.