An idea can be exciting, a product can work, and technology can make almost anything possible. But does the solution address a real problem? Who needs it? And will it deliver value beyond the excitement of building it? These were some of the questions at the heart of Qubators Global Conference (QGC) 2026, which brought together thousands of virtual attendees from across the globe on Saturday, 17 October 2026.
Themed “Building with Purpose: Purpose, Innovation, and Impact,” the conference challenged founders, technology professionals, entrepreneurs and creatives to think beyond creating new products and focus on the people they serve. Through conversations on innovation, product development and entrepreneurship, attendees explored how to turn ideas into useful, commercially viable solutions that create meaningful value.
The gathering opened with a welcome address by Highly Esteemed Pastor Bisi Osademe, Director of Qubators Network and Technologies. She highlighted the conference’s goal of encouraging purposeful thinking and providing impactful, life-changing sessions for people building across different industries.
“QGC 2026 is a powerful opportunity to bring together people who are committed to building with purpose. Through the conversations, shared experiences and insights from our speakers, attendees are encouraged to think more deeply about what they are building, why it matters, and how their ideas can create meaningful value. Our goal is to inspire a generation of builders who combine innovation with purpose and use their gifts to make a lasting difference,” she said.
That challenge took centre stage in the keynote address by Vusi Thembekwayo, Founder and CEO of MyGrowthFund Venture Partners. He identified three essentials for every builder: mindset, skillset and toolset. Together, these represent the perspective, capabilities and resources needed to move an idea from possibility to practical execution.
The conference also featured insights from Jeffrey Itepu, Co-Founder of MyAbode; Kelechi Ekeghe, Co-Founder and CEO of Laddar Africa; Adim Isiakpona, Co-Founder and Group CEO of The People Company Group; Richmond Bassey, CEO of Bamboo; and Shalom Rayhamen, Founder of Lagos Life.
One of the key conversations, the fireside chat titled “From Ideas to Project,” examined what it takes to move beyond an interesting concept and build something people will actually use. The discussion focused on identifying real problems, validating ideas, understanding users and developing products with the potential to be useful, marketable and monetisable.
Rayhamen brought this thinking to life through her experience building Lagos Life, a game shaped by her familiarity with the city and its people. She explained how a localised experience could help a product connect with its intended audience, while stressing that simplicity is key to creating something people enjoy and value.
“Great ideas come from paying attention to problems; paying attention to problems helps to understand how best to solve them,” she said.
For aspiring builders, her advice was to start small, release ideas, listen to feedback and keep improving. Rather than waiting for a product to be perfect, she encouraged an approach that allows builders to learn from users and develop their solutions through iteration.
She also urged attendees to approach artificial intelligence as a tool to strengthen their work, rather than surrendering their judgement to it. “Starting small allows you to iterate fast, allows you to receive feedback and use it to further develop your product. Do not allow AI to use you; rather, use AI to your advantage,” she added.
Isiakpona reinforced the importance of testing an idea before committing significant resources. He encouraged aspiring founders to establish whether a concept addresses a genuine need, has a viable market and offers a clear path to monetisation. He also highlighted how AI can help builders explore and assess their ideas before moving further into development.
The emphasis on purpose extended beyond product strategy with Highly Esteemed Pastor Yemisi Kudehinbu, Chairman of Qubators Network and Technologies and Prime Minister of LoveWorld Nation, challenging attendees to look beyond what technology makes possible and consider what is genuinely necessary and valuable.
“We start our building with purpose. Purpose challenges us beyond the excitement of technology. Let’s allow purpose to challenge us to move beyond building because something is possible, but let’s ask if it is necessary, useful, and capable of creating meaningful value. We must remember that excellence and purpose must go together,” she said.
Beyond the engaging sessions, the conference’s referral raffle rewarded participants for bringing others into the gathering, with prizes including technology gadgets.
QGC 2026 left participants with a challenge that extends well beyond the conference: turn purpose into practice. For founders and innovators, that means understanding real needs, testing ideas with the people they intend to serve and using feedback to build better solutions. The lasting measure of their work will be the difference those solutions make in people’s lives.
To explore these lessons or revisit the discussions, watch the QGC 2026 conference recording at qgc.qubators.org.
