Derby’s growing tech scene came alive yesterday, 26th November 2025, as founders, students, academics and local tech professionals gathered at the University of Derby’s Game Changer Labs for Tech Derby: Building Community Around Real-World Tech.
Unlike typical events packed with long PowerPoint presentations, this meetup focused on what really matters:
real stories, real products, and real people building the future of tech in Derby.
For Nigerians in the UK — especially those in tech or aspiring to join the sector — this event showed just how much opportunity is growing right here in the East Midlands.
University of Derby: Backing Innovation, SMEs and New Founders
🇬🇧 Prof. Mark Gilman – Professor of Economics & Regional Economic Observatory
Professor Gilman shared powerful insights on SME growth, productivity and transformation.
He introduced tools such as:
- The Business Growth Diagnostic, and
- The Transformation Triangle (mindset + strategy + digital transformation)
These frameworks are being used to help small businesses — including immigrant-led SMEs — rethink growth and improve long-term performance. He also promised to make these tools available to the Tech Derby community.
🇬🇧 Samantha Deakin – Head of Enterprise, University of Derby
Samantha highlighted how the University is building an inclusive, founder-first innovation system, offering:
- Startup support
- Incubator programmes
- Game Changer Labs access
- A welcoming innovation community
She emphasised that groups like Tech Derby play a major role in connecting local talent, especially founders from diverse backgrounds.
🇬🇧 Oliver Stonier – Enterprise Manager
Oliver explained how students and graduates — including many international students — can access resources, mentoring and startup support at Game Changer Labs.
Tech Derby, he said, is becoming a bridge between student founders, industry, and local businesses.
Spotlight on Builders: Nigerians Leading the Conversation
The evening also featured outstanding Nigerian founders and innovators showcasing the impactful solutions they are building in the UK.
💳 Tope Akande – Founder, BucksTrybe (Fintech)
Tope introduced BucksTrybe, a fintech platform built to support credit-invisible communities, especially immigrants and young adults.
Using:
- Open banking,
- Community finance data, and
- Traditional group savings culture,
BucksTrybe helps people build legitimate, trackable credit histories — an issue many Nigerians in the UK deeply relate to.
📚 McAnderson DevOps Lead – Mastery Quest (EdTech)
Representing McAnderson, the DevOps Lead showcased Mastery Quest, an innovative maths learning platform turning maths into a game, a challenge, and a daily adventure.
Mastery Quest gives:
- Children confidence
- Parents simple progress tracking
- Families a fun learning experience
Perfect for Nigerian parents looking for structured, engaging learning tools.
🔗 Gbenga Jubril – Web3 & Blockchain Builder
Gbenga shared his journey in blockchain and Web3, explaining how decentralised tools are now being used to solve:
- Trust issues
- Digital identity
- Transparent transactions
- New digital value creation
His talk was a powerful reminder that Africans in tech are contributing significantly to global innovation.
A “Living Room” for Derby’s Tech Community
The atmosphere was warm, informal and collaborative — exactly what Derby’s emerging tech culture needs.
People connected over:
- Start-up ideas
- Career opportunities
- Tech challenges
- Community building
It felt less like a conference and more like a friendly living room for Derby’s entire tech ecosystem.
Visit: techderby.org
Why This Matters for Nigerians in the UK
Tech Derby is fast becoming a home for African founders, students and professionals, offering:
- A supportive community
- Direct access to the University of Derby’s enterprise team
- Opportunities to showcase your start-up
- A place to meet fellow tech builders
- A platform for learning, collaboration and mentorship
This movement is only growing — and Nigerians are strongly represented.
Special Thanks
A heartfelt thank you to:
- Prof. Mark Gilman
- Samantha Deakin
- Oliver Stonier
- Tope Akande
- Gbenga Jubril
- The McAnderson team
- University of Derby & Game Changer Labs
Your support is helping build a tech ecosystem where everyone — including diaspora innovators — can thrive.
Want to Get Involved?
If you’re into FinTech, EdTech, Web3, AI, Data, or Entrepreneurship, Tech Derby is ready to welcome you.
This is just the beginning. 🔥
Derby’s tech future is bright — and Nigerians will continue to be part of the story.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
Stay updated on the latest UK news, including education, health, job openings, and more for those living in the UK!
Join here: Naija UK Channel
Also, follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and discussions:
- Twitter: @NaijaUKConnect
- Facebook: Naija UK Connect
- Instagram: @naijaukconnect
