INDIANAPOLIS | May 13, 2025 – The Indiana-Africa Innovation Network announced events for the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in Indianapolis, June 2–5. This initiative aims to establish enduring economic partnerships between Indiana and sub-Saharan Africa by linking Indianapolis’ innovation ecosystem with Africa’s growing startup markets.

“Our vision is to transform how Indiana and African markets collaborate,” said Emil Ekiyor, CEO of InnoPower and Founder of the Indiana-Africa Innovation Network. “With Africa's startup ecosystem growing 600% since 2015 and Indiana achieving a record $1.05 billion in venture investments last year, the timing couldn't be better to build cross-continental partnerships that combine commercial success with meaningful social impact.”

Indiana’s venture capital sector closed 166 deals in 2024, ranking #6 nationally for deal volume growth. It provides a robust foundation for establishing long-term, sustainable commercial relationships with key African economies, including Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.

Matt Mindrum, CEO of Indy Chamber, emphasized the strategic importance of building international business pipelines: “This event directly supports the Indy Chamber's vision for the Global Indy Business Center by attracting international partnerships and enhancing Indianapolis's global recognition as a welcoming hub for overseas companies.”

Program Highlights

June 3 – The African Cocktail at High Alpha Innovation
Focus: Venture Capital Opportunities

“By connecting Indiana's systematic approach to startup creation with Africa's entrepreneurial dynamism, we can build ventures that succeed commercially while addressing critical needs across multiple markets,” said Elliott Parker, CEO of Alloy Partners. “Our experience launching over 30 companies proves that bringing together diverse stakeholders creates exceptional outcomes.”

Ting Gootee, CEO of TechPoint, highlighted the sector-specific opportunities: “Indiana’s technology ecosystem has become a transformative force for economic growth, driven by AI-powered strength in health, life sciences, and biosciences, sectors strongly aligned with emerging opportunities in African markets. These engagements foster technology transfer and entrepreneurial collaboration that fuels innovation across borders.”

June 3 – God's Entrepreneurs Breakfast (Sponsored by JDA Worldwide)
Focus: Faith-Based Entrepreneurship and Community Development

“This breakfast convenes a crucial conversation around moving from aid to investment,” said Chance Benbow, CEO of JDA Worldwide. “As Christians intersecting faith with business, we're asking how Indiana's business community can invest time, talent, and treasure to create stronger ecosystems for African entrepreneurs who historically haven't received the resources that drive business success. This goes beyond philanthropy to create true economic multipliers.”

June 4 – Philanthropy and Business Networking Event
Focus: Intersection of Business and Philanthropy

“City-based impact investing networks are powerful catalysts for economic mobility,” noted Jay Hein, CEO of Sagamore Institute. “Our experience with the Commonwealth Fund demonstrates that market-based solutions can simultaneously achieve financial returns and address pressing social challenges. By connecting investors and entrepreneurs across continents, we're building structures for commercial excellence and sustainable impact.”

Projected Outcomes
– Strategic business partnerships and cross-border ventures
– Knowledge exchange in health, biosciences, and AI-powered technologies
– Initial investment commitments in African startups
– Sustainable platforms for technology transfer and trade expansion

Register to Attend
To register for the Indiana-Africa Innovation Pipeline events, RSVP 👉HERE
For more information, contact:
Dr. Eugena Anderson

Event Organizer
 📧 Projects@InnoPowerIndy.com

About the Global Entrepreneurship Congress
The Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) is the flagship event of the Global Entrepreneurship Network. Held annually, the event convenes thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders from over 200 countries to foster innovation, expand global partnerships, and promote inclusive economic growth.