Steve Odinkaru’s journey from a math prodigy to a pioneering entrepreneur in Nigeria’s tech and health sectors is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up with a natural flair for mathematics, Steve consistently represented his school in competitions across Nigeria. “I’ve always been passionate about mathematics and analytics,” he shares, “It’s a passion that naturally evolved into a love for technology and problem-solving.”
This passion led Steve to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science. His fascination with the evolution of computers—from basic counting tools to the sophisticated machines used today—fueled his drive to leverage technology for societal good. “Computers are essentially man’s desire to count faster,” Steve explains. “From the abacus to Charles Babbage’s machine to modern tech, it’s about solving problems efficiently.”
While at university, he formed a lasting friendship with Joshua Keghnen Ichor and William Oghenekevwe Emadago. Together, they founded AfriTint Solutions Ltd, a holding company that would give birth to several startups. “William and I were neighbors on campus, and Joshua was my roommate. We realized we were all very smart and ambitious, so the story begins,” Steve recalls. Under AfriTint’s umbrella, they established six startups—Medexer, GeoTek, Green Eden Farms, Girlified, Livestocx Inc., and Venille—collectively raising over $600,000 in funding and employing hundreds. “It’s amazing what you can achieve when you align with like-minded people who share your vision,” he adds.
AfriTint Solutions: A Platform for Innovation
At AfriTint, the focus is on empowering young entrepreneurs through mentorship, education, and access to resources. “At AfriTint, we believe that learning from those who have already succeeded is the fastest path to success,” Steve explains. “That’s why we have curated a network of high-end entrepreneurs and industry experts who serve as mentors to our young entrepreneurs. These mentors provide hands-on, practical experience and guidance, helping our entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses.”
AfriTint offers a tailored curriculum designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills in innovation, technology, business modeling, and practical entrepreneurship. “Our curriculum is constantly updated to reflect the latest industry trends and best practices,” Steve notes. “We ensure that our entrepreneurs are always at the forefront of innovation.”
Another cornerstone of AfriTint’s mission is access to funding. “Securing funding is one of the biggest challenges faced by young entrepreneurs,” Steve says. “We provide a range of funding opportunities, including grants, investment, and financial support. Our goal is to ensure that our entrepreneurs have the financial resources they need to turn their ideas into reality.”
AfriTint also emphasizes hands-on learning through workshops and training programs. “Our programs cover everything from business planning and financial management to marketing and product development,” Steve shares. “This practical approach ensures that our entrepreneurs are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of running a business.”
Innovation and technology are central to AfriTint’s vision. “We provide our entrepreneurs with access to state-of-the-art technology and resources,” Steve highlights. “Our focus areas include agriculture, renewable energy, water management, recycling, and food, where we believe technology can have the greatest impact.”
Turning Tragedy Into Innovation
Medexer, Steve’s flagship venture, has a poignant origin. A personal accident landed him in the hospital for a month, during which he befriended a prostate cancer patient who required regular blood transfusions. “One day, he passed away due to a lack of available blood. That moment shook me deeply,” Steve reveals. “I couldn’t stop thinking about the lives that could be saved if matching donors were more accessible.”
This tragedy inspired Steve to adapt Uber’s geo-technology to create Medexer. The platform connects hospitals with potential blood donors, addressing a critical shortage in Nigeria. “Three in every four people face complications or death due to blood shortages,” Steve emphasizes. “We’re using technology to solve a problem that has been ignored for too long.” Headquartered in Jos, Nigeria, Medexer employs over 40 people and continues to make life-saving connections daily. “It’s not just a business; it’s a mission to save lives,” he says.
Medexer also aims to create a robust network of reliable donors while ensuring user privacy and safety. The app allows hospitals to send requests to registered donors based on their proximity, blood type, and availability. “Our platform ensures that no life is lost due to a lack of blood,” Steve adds. The process includes rigorous screening of donors and maintaining a secure database to streamline connections. “It’s not just about finding a match; it’s about building trust in a system that saves lives,” he says passionately.
Navigating Challenges and Stereotypes
Running a company isn’t without its hurdles. “One significant challenge is managing people,” Steve admits. Unlike computers, he notes, humans are dynamic, with individual dreams and philosophies. “You have to find a balance between understanding their perspectives and driving the collective vision forward,” he explains.
Another major obstacle has been overcoming age-related stereotypes. “We were in our early twenties pitching bold ideas,” he shares. “Many questioned our capacity to deliver, but results speak louder than words.” Steve credits perseverance and innovation for surmounting these barriers. “We blazed trails without local mentors to guide us. The internet became our lifeline for virtual mentorship and resources,” he reflects. “It’s about staying focused and proving the doubters wrong.”
Success Stories That Inspire
Under Steve’s leadership, Medexer has achieved significant milestones, including winning the Hindsight Ventures’ WAZO challenge and being recognized by Amazon Web Services Build Accelerator. “These recognitions validate our hard work and show we’re making an impact,” he says. Co-creation Hub’s Africa Digital Epidemiology and Innovation Network Challenge also highlighted Medexer as a top innovative solution. “When you see your name among the best, it motivates you to aim even higher,” he adds.
AfriTint’s other startups have also garnered accolades. GeoTek has been recognized by the British Council and Swarovski, while Green Eden Farms has earned awards from the African Development Bank and Flour Mills of Nigeria. Livestocx has caught the attention of the US Business Chamber of Commerce and Voice of America. Girlified and Venille have received support from international organizations like the Canadian Government and Fast Forward Global. “It’s been one hell of a ride,” Steve remarks with a smile. “Each achievement reminds us why we started this journey.”
A Vision Beyond Profit
Beyond business, Steve is passionate about promoting healthy living. “At the end of the day, health is wealth,” he asserts. “No matter what we achieve, it’s irrelevant if we’re battling with our health.” He also advocates for impactful entrepreneurship. “It’s not just about profit; it’s about making a difference,” he states. “The true measure of success is the lives you’ve touched along the way.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Steve’s advice to budding entrepreneurs is simple: passion is paramount. “Ask yourself if you’d continue even without pay. If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track,” he advises. He also emphasizes the importance of direction over speed. “Patience and a clear purpose go hand in hand. You can’t fish in the desert, no matter how skillful you are,” he says with a chuckle.
The Future of Tech and Leadership
Looking ahead, Steve is excited about the potential of virtual reality in education. “The immersive power of VR can revolutionize how we learn and understand,” he says. “Imagine a world where students can experience history or science in a completely interactive way.” He also continues to explore ways to integrate AI into Medexer’s platform to optimize its life-saving capabilities. “Technology is evolving rapidly, and we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve,” he affirms.
Steve Odinkaru’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of technology. From a childhood love of numbers to building impactful startups, his story is one of vision and determination. “It’s been a journey of learning, growing, and impacting lives,” he concludes. As he continues to save lives and inspire others, Steve remains a beacon of hope and a symbol of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.