FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Symposium for Emerging Technology (SET)
GENERAL EXPERIENCE
1. What makes SET different from other tech summits in Africa?
SET is not just a tech showcase—it’s a curated dialogue platform for unpacking real innovation in context: policy, infrastructure, and business. Think of it as where speeches meet strategy.
2. Is SET open to non-technical participants?
Yes. While the focus is emerging tech, SET is designed to help any decision-maker—from finance to development—understand the implications of technological shifts.
3. What types of sessions should I expect?
Expect a blend of technical deep-dives, governance case studies, product strategy sessions, startup founder spotlights, and future-casting discussions.
4. Will the sessions be recorded or live-streamed?
Only select sessions will be available after the event for on-demand replay. Access is limited to premium pass holders.
5. Can I get CPD credits or certifications from attending SET?
SET is working with learning partners to provide optional certification paths for specific workshops. Announcements will be made closer to the event.
SPEAKERS & PANELS
1. Are SET speakers only from Nigeria?
No. SET features a strong Nigerian representation but includes speakers across Africa, the diaspora, and global innovation hubs.
2. Will there be startup founders speaking or just policymakers and academics?
All of the above. SET is one of the few events designed to connect the dots between builders, researchers, and regulators.
3. Are speaker sessions open to Q&A from the audience?
Yes, many are. Some panels also feature AMA (Ask Me Anything) formats, especially during side sessions.
4. What qualifies someone to speak at SET?
Speakers are selected based on practical contribution to innovation—either through company-building, policy design, research, or infrastructure.
5. Can I recommend a speaker or panel topic?
Yes, there is a form on the website for public speaker or theme nominations. You’ll need to state their area of expertise and relevance to this year’s theme.
NETWORKING & ACCESS
1. Will there be curated networking at SET?
Yes. Expect both open mixers and closed-circle topic-specific meetups for AI, fintech, public governance, and deep tech.
2. Can investors or accelerators schedule meetings in advance?
Premium access holders will receive a matchmaking form to request one-on-one meetings during SET.
3. Are side events allowed during SET week?
Yes, but only vetted side events will be published under the official schedule. Apply early if you want yours included.
4. Will there be industry-specific meetups like fintech-only or AI-only?
Yes, SET includes industry tracks for Fintech, HealthTech, GovTech, and AI/ML innovation.
5. Will students and early professionals have access to mentors or hiring conversations?
Yes. There’s a talent and innovation clinic for early-career professionals to connect with hiring companies and mentors.
PARTICIPATION & REGISTRATION
1. Can I attend if I’m based outside Lagos or outside Nigeria?
Yes. While it’s a physical event, virtual access to selected sessions is available globally.
2. Is SET free to attend?
There are limited free tickets, mostly for students and community volunteers. General passes and premium access are paid.
3. Can I transfer my ticket if I’m unable to attend?
Yes, up to 5 days before the event. You’ll need to send an official email request with the new attendee’s name and details.
4. Are group or team registrations allowed?
Yes. Companies and academic institutions can register up to 10 people at discounted rates.
5. Do I need to apply for access to the policy sessions?
Yes. Some policy roundtables are closed-door and require clearance based on your profile and area of interest.
EXHIBITIONS, DEMOS & INNOVATION ZONES
1. Will there be hardware showcases at SET?
Yes. SET features an emerging tech gallery with IoT tools, robotics, local manufacturing innovation, and green tech.
2. Can my startup do a product demo at SET?
Startups selected through SET Labs, our innovation pipeline, may get demo slots. External slots are limited and highly curated.
3. Is SET a pitch event?
No. SET isn’t a pitch competition but some innovation zones will feature live validation sessions and product critiques.
4. Are inventors or patent-holders given spotlight opportunities?
Yes. SET supports both commercial and academic innovation and features special recognition moments for inventors.
5. Will developers or engineers have hands-on labs or sessions?
Yes. There’s a DevStage with technical tutorials and hands-on sandbox environments for tool testing.
OTHERS
1. Is SET affiliated with any political party or government agency?
No. It’s an independent innovation platform. However, government agencies and regulators are welcome participants.
2. What’s the dress code for SET?
Smart-casual or tech-comfortable. We encourage founders, engineers, and civil service leaders to come as they are.
3. Will interpreters or accessibility support be available?
Sessions are in English, but we’re building captioning and sign-language support for priority sessions.
4. Are there awards or recognitions given during SET?
Yes. We highlight changemakers through curated showcases—not competitions. Recognition is based on real impact, not popularity.
5. How can I stay updated about SET news and sessions?
Follow SET on social media, sign up for the official newsletter, and keep an eye on the website for program announcements.
Do You Want to Speak In our Next Summit?
We invite speakers from local and international organisations, businesses, government agencies, startups, academics, innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs, to send in their interest to speak at this year’s Symposium for Emerging Technology (SET) 2025
with the theme: Powering Progress.