Tech Derby, a new community-driven initiative in the UK Midlands, has hosted its latest gathering at the University of Derby’s Game Changer Labs, bringing together, founders, students, technologists and university leaders to explore how community can power the next wave of innovation.
The event is part of a growing effort to position Derby as a bridge between UK tech ecosystems and African talent, with contributors whose work already spans Nigeria, the wider continent and the global diaspora.
University of Derby puts institutional weight behind community tech
The University of Derby signalled strong institutional backing for Tech Derby, outlining how universities can serve as neutral ground where industry, government and grassroots communities meet.
Professor Mark Gilman, Professor of Economics and a leading voice within the University of Derby’s Regional Economic Observatory, opened the evening with insights on SME performance and growth. He introduced his “Transformation Triangle”, a framework that unites mindset, strategy and digital transformation as a practical roadmap for organizations trying to move from survival to scalable growth.
Professor Gilman committed to sharing this work with the Tech Derby community, anchoring the night in data, research and practical tools that founders can apply immediately.
Samantha Deakin, Head of Enterprise at the University of Derby, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to backing founders and community-led innovation. She highlighted Game Changer Labs as a home for experimentation, and emphasised the University’s interest in supporting groups like Tech Derby that create bottom-up momentum.
Alongside her, Oliver Stonier, Enterprise Manager, outlined the pathways for students and graduates to engage with Tech Derby as a bridge between academic ideas and the realities of building and scaling businesses.
African and diaspora builders solving real problems
The spotlight then shifted to founders building for real users and real constraints
Tope Akande, Founder of BucksTrybe, presented his fintech solution for “credit-invisible” people, particularly immigrants and young adults who struggle to prove creditworthiness in the UK. BucksTrybe uses open banking and trusted, community-based financial behaviour to help users build verifiable credit histories and unlock fairer access to financial products.
Oluwatobi Akinlade, from the McAnderson team, showcased Mastery Quest, a maths-learning platform designed to turn anxiety around mathematics into small, daily wins. Children progress through bite-sized challenges while parents track performance through a simple scorecard, offering a low-friction way for families to keep learning on track.
Gbenga Toba Ajiboye, blockchain and Web3 builder, shared how decentralised tools are already being used to tackle trust and verification problems in sectors that historically relied on manual processes. His input underscored how Web3’s practical applications in Africa and the diaspora are quietly expanding beyond speculation.
Building the backbone of Derby’s emerging tech ecosystem
While founders took the stage, an emerging leadership circle worked behind the scenes to ensure Tech Derby is more than a one-off meet-up.
Joseph Origbo, Tech Derby Community & Innovation Lead, brings experience in AI, data and ecosystem development from his work with McAnderson Institute of Technology and cross-border UK–Africa programmes.
At Tech Derby, he curates themes that reflect real challenges facing founders, employers and students, connects Derby’s talent pool to networks across the UK and Africa and helps attendees think practically about using AI and emerging technologies for social and commercial impact. His contribution positions Tech Derby as a platform where regional conversations plug into African and global innovation flows.
Omolara Oladipupo, Tech Derby Community & Partnerships Coordinator, focuses on the human experience at Tech Derby. She ensures students, first-time attendees and seasoned founders all feel welcome and able to participate, supports outreach and follow-up, turning introductions into genuine collaborations and helps design a community rhythm where people keep showing up, not just for content, but for relationships and opportunity
Together, Joseph and Omolara are building Tech Derby as a living ecosystem rather than a series of isolated events – an approach that mirrors how successful African tech communities have grown in Lagos, Nairobi, Kigali and beyond.
A UK hub with African DNA
The atmosphere at Game Changer Labs was intentionally informal; standing conversations, demos, quick intros and honest stories. It echoed a familiar pattern across African tech cities: small rooms where founders and operators trade lessons, share contacts and quietly build the next chapter.
For Tech Derby founder Akindayo Akindolani, whose work spans Nigeria and the UK, this is exactly the point.
“We’re creating a space where an African founder in the UK can test ideas, a student can find a mentor, and a professor’s research can actually reach businesses,” Akindolani said. “Tech Derby is about community first. From there, we can connect Derby to the wider African tech story.”
The Tech Derby meeting is monthly and the next one is on Wednesday 17th December at the University of Derby. It will be hosted by Adepeju Bello, with continued focus on fintech, AI, Web3, Edtech and digital enterprise, and on making Derby a meaningful node in the African and diaspora tech network.
About Tech Derby
Tech Derby is a community-led initiative based in Derby, United Kingdom. It brings together founders, technologists, students, academics and community leaders to connect UK and African tech talent, showcase real-world products and solutions, and create inclusive, low-barrier spaces for learning, networking and partnership.
Tech Derby works in collaboration with the University of Derby’s Game Changer Labs and a growing network of partners across the UK and Africa. The event is monthly and the next one is on Wednesday, 17th December at the University of Derby. It will be hosted by Adepeju Bello, with continued focus on fintech, AI, Web3, edtech and digital enterprise, and on making Derby a meaningful node in the African and diaspora tech network.
