Nigerian entrepreneur and technology strategist,Damilare Bakare, has continued to make a mark in Canada’s innovation space after his company,X-Innovations, clinched Alberta’sTrade Accelerator Program (TAP)Export Plan of the Year 2025 Award.The award, presented on January 29, 2026, recognised the commercialisation strategy behind the company’s dual-use AI wearable technology designed for the health and fitness sector.The recognition highlights the strength of X-Innovations’ export strategy and points to the growing influence of African-founded innovation companies competing on the global stage, at a time when Nigeria itself will be watching theFIFA World Cup 2026from outside the tournament. For founders and investors looking to understand how African-led ventures are breaking into international markets, X-Innovations’ story offers a compelling case study, and an open door.Scan the QR code below to learn more.Bakare, who hails from Nigeria and studied atCovenant Universitybefore relocating to Canada for a Master’s degree inTechnology and Innovation ManagementatCarleton University, is quick to credit God first for the honour, describing it as the product of years of work rather than a sudden breakthrough.It was during his studies in Canada, and his exposure to the country’s fast-evolving technology ecosystem, that he identified anopportunity to bridge innovation ecosystems across continents, rather than simply build a new technology startup. That realization came clearer after working withYork Angels Investors, he said, and that became the foundation forX-Innovations.Bakare’s journey mirrors that of a growing number of African-raised founders who have used Canadian graduate programmes as a launchpad into the country’s startup economy, before eventually building companies that look back toward the continent for talent, partnerships and ideas.From marketing startup to innovation platformX-Innovations launched with marketing and product development but evolved into a broader platform covering artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment readiness, ecosystem development, community engagement, international trade and startup visa services.The company is now positioning itself for global expansion, with plans to deepen innovation and trade partnerships between Nigeria, Canada and other markets, while building strategic relationships across the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and other emerging innovation hubs. Bakare said Africa’s biggest export potential no longer lies only in natural resources but increasingly in its talent, creativity and ability to solve global problems through innovation.Rather than operating solely as a technology firm, X-Innovations has taken a broader approach focused on helping founders, businesses, investors and institutions commercialise ideas, navigate international markets and build sustainable innovation ecosystems. The company offers startup advisory services, export development programmes, investment preparation and Startup Visa-related services, practical support for any founder serious about accessing Canada’s innovation economy.Book a complementary consultation.AI wearable tech at the centreArtificial intelligence sits at the centre of that strategy. The company’s award-winning product is a wearable technology that combines health, performance and dual-use capability, and its timing could not be more relevant. As the FIFA World Cup captures global attention, the conversation around how athlete data is collected, interpreted and applied has never been louder. Bakare’s platform sits squarely in that space, offering a vision of how AI-powered wearables could fundamentally change the way player performance data is gathered and used in real time, from injury prevention and recovery monitoring to in-game tactical decision-making at the highest level of sport.The implications stretch well beyond football. This crossover potential is precisely what Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation,Evan Solomon, the country’s first-ever AI minister has been championing federally, pushing Canadian AI companies to move from research leadership into real-world commercialisation and adoption.Judges credited the project not only for its underlying technology but also for its international market strategy and export readiness. Industry observers say that for a wearable health technology product, credible engineering paired with a clear path into foreign markets is often what separates award-winning ventures from the field.L-R: Damilare Bakare; Investor, Vital8T Ventures, Randy Duguay; Founder, Born Global Advisory and Ex-Government of Alberta, Senior Trade Relations Officer, Manisha Arora; Co-founder of LitLife Inc., Daniel Taylor; CEO & Co-Founder, FireSafe AI, Nafaa Haddou; and Founder, EMC³ Consulting Corporation, & TED x Speaker, Erin McDonaldBuilding communities through Fusion ForumOutside of product development, Bakare built a name for himself as a community organiser. ThroughFusion Forum, an initiative initially launched during thetechstarsEdmontonstartup week, he regularly convenes entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation.The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology The award, presented on January 29, 2026, recognised the commercialisation strategy behind the company’s dual-use AI wearable technology designed for the health and fitness sector.The recognition highlights the strength of X-Innovations’ export strategy and points to the growing influence of African-founded innovation companies competing on the global stage, at a time when Nigeria itself will be watching theFIFA World Cup 2026from outside the tournament. For founders and investors looking to understand how African-led ventures are breaking into international markets, X-Innovations’ story offers a compelling case study, and an open door.Scan the QR code below to learn more.Bakare, who hails from Nigeria and studied atCovenant Universitybefore relocating to Canada for a Master’s degree inTechnology and Innovation ManagementatCarleton University, is quick to credit God first for the honour, describing it as the product of years of work rather than a sudden breakthrough.It was during his studies in Canada, and his exposure to the country’s fast-evolving technology ecosystem, that he identified anopportunity to bridge innovation ecosystems across continents, rather than simply build a new technology startup. That realization came clearer after working withYork Angels Investors, he said, and that became the foundation forX-Innovations.Bakare’s journey mirrors that of a growing number of African-raised founders who have used Canadian graduate programmes as a launchpad into the country’s startup economy, before eventually building companies that look back toward the continent for talent, partnerships and ideas.From marketing startup to innovation platformX-Innovations launched with marketing and product development but evolved into a broader platform covering artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment readiness, ecosystem development, community engagement, international trade and startup visa services.The company is now positioning itself for global expansion, with plans to deepen innovation and trade partnerships between Nigeria, Canada and other markets, while building strategic relationships across the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and other emerging innovation hubs. Bakare said Africa’s biggest export potential no longer lies only in natural resources but increasingly in its talent, creativity and ability to solve global problems through innovation.Rather than operating solely as a technology firm, X-Innovations has taken a broader approach focused on helping founders, businesses, investors and institutions commercialise ideas, navigate international markets and build sustainable innovation ecosystems. The company offers startup advisory services, export development programmes, investment preparation and Startup Visa-related services, practical support for any founder serious about accessing Canada’s innovation economy.Book a complementary consultation.AI wearable tech at the centreArtificial intelligence sits at the centre of that strategy. The company’s award-winning product is a wearable technology that combines health, performance and dual-use capability, and its timing could not be more relevant. As the FIFA World Cup captures global attention, the conversation around how athlete data is collected, interpreted and applied has never been louder. Bakare’s platform sits squarely in that space, offering a vision of how AI-powered wearables could fundamentally change the way player performance data is gathered and used in real time, from injury prevention and recovery monitoring to in-game tactical decision-making at the highest level of sport.The implications stretch well beyond football. This crossover potential is precisely what Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation,Evan Solomon, the country’s first-ever AI minister has been championing federally, pushing Canadian AI companies to move from research leadership into real-world commercialisation and adoption.Judges credited the project not only for its underlying technology but also for its international market strategy and export readiness. Industry observers say that for a wearable health technology product, credible engineering paired with a clear path into foreign markets is often what separates award-winning ventures from the field.L-R: Damilare Bakare; Investor, Vital8T Ventures, Randy Duguay; Founder, Born Global Advisory and Ex-Government of Alberta, Senior Trade Relations Officer, Manisha Arora; Co-founder of LitLife Inc., Daniel Taylor; CEO & Co-Founder, FireSafe AI, Nafaa Haddou; and Founder, EMC³ Consulting Corporation, & TED x Speaker, Erin McDonaldBuilding communities through Fusion ForumOutside of product development, Bakare built a name for himself as a community organiser. ThroughFusion Forum, an initiative initially launched during thetechstarsEdmontonstartup week, he regularly convenes entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation.The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology The recognition highlights the strength of X-Innovations’ export strategy and points to the growing influence of African-founded innovation companies competing on the global stage, at a time when Nigeria itself will be watching theFIFA World Cup 2026from outside the tournament. For founders and investors looking to understand how African-led ventures are breaking into international markets, X-Innovations’ story offers a compelling case study, and an open door.Scan the QR code below to learn more.Bakare, who hails from Nigeria and studied atCovenant Universitybefore relocating to Canada for a Master’s degree inTechnology and Innovation ManagementatCarleton University, is quick to credit God first for the honour, describing it as the product of years of work rather than a sudden breakthrough.It was during his studies in Canada, and his exposure to the country’s fast-evolving technology ecosystem, that he identified anopportunity to bridge innovation ecosystems across continents, rather than simply build a new technology startup. That realization came clearer after working withYork Angels Investors, he said, and that became the foundation forX-Innovations.Bakare’s journey mirrors that of a growing number of African-raised founders who have used Canadian graduate programmes as a launchpad into the country’s startup economy, before eventually building companies that look back toward the continent for talent, partnerships and ideas.From marketing startup to innovation platformX-Innovations launched with marketing and product development but evolved into a broader platform covering artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment readiness, ecosystem development, community engagement, international trade and startup visa services.The company is now positioning itself for global expansion, with plans to deepen innovation and trade partnerships between Nigeria, Canada and other markets, while building strategic relationships across the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and other emerging innovation hubs. Bakare said Africa’s biggest export potential no longer lies only in natural resources but increasingly in its talent, creativity and ability to solve global problems through innovation.Rather than operating solely as a technology firm, X-Innovations has taken a broader approach focused on helping founders, businesses, investors and institutions commercialise ideas, navigate international markets and build sustainable innovation ecosystems. The company offers startup advisory services, export development programmes, investment preparation and Startup Visa-related services, practical support for any founder serious about accessing Canada’s innovation economy.Book a complementary consultation.AI wearable tech at the centreArtificial intelligence sits at the centre of that strategy. The company’s award-winning product is a wearable technology that combines health, performance and dual-use capability, and its timing could not be more relevant. As the FIFA World Cup captures global attention, the conversation around how athlete data is collected, interpreted and applied has never been louder. Bakare’s platform sits squarely in that space, offering a vision of how AI-powered wearables could fundamentally change the way player performance data is gathered and used in real time, from injury prevention and recovery monitoring to in-game tactical decision-making at the highest level of sport.The implications stretch well beyond football. This crossover potential is precisely what Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation,Evan Solomon, the country’s first-ever AI minister has been championing federally, pushing Canadian AI companies to move from research leadership into real-world commercialisation and adoption.Judges credited the project not only for its underlying technology but also for its international market strategy and export readiness. Industry observers say that for a wearable health technology product, credible engineering paired with a clear path into foreign markets is often what separates award-winning ventures from the field.L-R: Damilare Bakare; Investor, Vital8T Ventures, Randy Duguay; Founder, Born Global Advisory and Ex-Government of Alberta, Senior Trade Relations Officer, Manisha Arora; Co-founder of LitLife Inc., Daniel Taylor; CEO & Co-Founder, FireSafe AI, Nafaa Haddou; and Founder, EMC³ Consulting Corporation, & TED x Speaker, Erin McDonaldBuilding communities through Fusion ForumOutside of product development, Bakare built a name for himself as a community organiser. ThroughFusion Forum, an initiative initially launched during thetechstarsEdmontonstartup week, he regularly convenes entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation.The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology Bakare, who hails from Nigeria and studied atCovenant Universitybefore relocating to Canada for a Master’s degree inTechnology and Innovation ManagementatCarleton University, is quick to credit God first for the honour, describing it as the product of years of work rather than a sudden breakthrough.It was during his studies in Canada, and his exposure to the country’s fast-evolving technology ecosystem, that he identified anopportunity to bridge innovation ecosystems across continents, rather than simply build a new technology startup. That realization came clearer after working withYork Angels Investors, he said, and that became the foundation forX-Innovations.Bakare’s journey mirrors that of a growing number of African-raised founders who have used Canadian graduate programmes as a launchpad into the country’s startup economy, before eventually building companies that look back toward the continent for talent, partnerships and ideas.From marketing startup to innovation platformX-Innovations launched with marketing and product development but evolved into a broader platform covering artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment readiness, ecosystem development, community engagement, international trade and startup visa services.The company is now positioning itself for global expansion, with plans to deepen innovation and trade partnerships between Nigeria, Canada and other markets, while building strategic relationships across the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and other emerging innovation hubs. Bakare said Africa’s biggest export potential no longer lies only in natural resources but increasingly in its talent, creativity and ability to solve global problems through innovation.Rather than operating solely as a technology firm, X-Innovations has taken a broader approach focused on helping founders, businesses, investors and institutions commercialise ideas, navigate international markets and build sustainable innovation ecosystems. The company offers startup advisory services, export development programmes, investment preparation and Startup Visa-related services, practical support for any founder serious about accessing Canada’s innovation economy.Book a complementary consultation.AI wearable tech at the centreArtificial intelligence sits at the centre of that strategy. The company’s award-winning product is a wearable technology that combines health, performance and dual-use capability, and its timing could not be more relevant. As the FIFA World Cup captures global attention, the conversation around how athlete data is collected, interpreted and applied has never been louder. Bakare’s platform sits squarely in that space, offering a vision of how AI-powered wearables could fundamentally change the way player performance data is gathered and used in real time, from injury prevention and recovery monitoring to in-game tactical decision-making at the highest level of sport.The implications stretch well beyond football. This crossover potential is precisely what Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation,Evan Solomon, the country’s first-ever AI minister has been championing federally, pushing Canadian AI companies to move from research leadership into real-world commercialisation and adoption.Judges credited the project not only for its underlying technology but also for its international market strategy and export readiness. Industry observers say that for a wearable health technology product, credible engineering paired with a clear path into foreign markets is often what separates award-winning ventures from the field.L-R: Damilare Bakare; Investor, Vital8T Ventures, Randy Duguay; Founder, Born Global Advisory and Ex-Government of Alberta, Senior Trade Relations Officer, Manisha Arora; Co-founder of LitLife Inc., Daniel Taylor; CEO & Co-Founder, FireSafe AI, Nafaa Haddou; and Founder, EMC³ Consulting Corporation, & TED x Speaker, Erin McDonaldBuilding communities through Fusion ForumOutside of product development, Bakare built a name for himself as a community organiser. ThroughFusion Forum, an initiative initially launched during thetechstarsEdmontonstartup week, he regularly convenes entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation.The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology It was during his studies in Canada, and his exposure to the country’s fast-evolving technology ecosystem, that he identified anopportunity to bridge innovation ecosystems across continents, rather than simply build a new technology startup. That realization came clearer after working withYork Angels Investors, he said, and that became the foundation forX-Innovations.Bakare’s journey mirrors that of a growing number of African-raised founders who have used Canadian graduate programmes as a launchpad into the country’s startup economy, before eventually building companies that look back toward the continent for talent, partnerships and ideas.From marketing startup to innovation platformX-Innovations launched with marketing and product development but evolved into a broader platform covering artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment readiness, ecosystem development, community engagement, international trade and startup visa services.The company is now positioning itself for global expansion, with plans to deepen innovation and trade partnerships between Nigeria, Canada and other markets, while building strategic relationships across the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and other emerging innovation hubs. Bakare said Africa’s biggest export potential no longer lies only in natural resources but increasingly in its talent, creativity and ability to solve global problems through innovation.Rather than operating solely as a technology firm, X-Innovations has taken a broader approach focused on helping founders, businesses, investors and institutions commercialise ideas, navigate international markets and build sustainable innovation ecosystems. The company offers startup advisory services, export development programmes, investment preparation and Startup Visa-related services, practical support for any founder serious about accessing Canada’s innovation economy.Book a complementary consultation.AI wearable tech at the centreArtificial intelligence sits at the centre of that strategy. The company’s award-winning product is a wearable technology that combines health, performance and dual-use capability, and its timing could not be more relevant. As the FIFA World Cup captures global attention, the conversation around how athlete data is collected, interpreted and applied has never been louder. Bakare’s platform sits squarely in that space, offering a vision of how AI-powered wearables could fundamentally change the way player performance data is gathered and used in real time, from injury prevention and recovery monitoring to in-game tactical decision-making at the highest level of sport.The implications stretch well beyond football. This crossover potential is precisely what Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation,Evan Solomon, the country’s first-ever AI minister has been championing federally, pushing Canadian AI companies to move from research leadership into real-world commercialisation and adoption.Judges credited the project not only for its underlying technology but also for its international market strategy and export readiness. Industry observers say that for a wearable health technology product, credible engineering paired with a clear path into foreign markets is often what separates award-winning ventures from the field.L-R: Damilare Bakare; Investor, Vital8T Ventures, Randy Duguay; Founder, Born Global Advisory and Ex-Government of Alberta, Senior Trade Relations Officer, Manisha Arora; Co-founder of LitLife Inc., Daniel Taylor; CEO & Co-Founder, FireSafe AI, Nafaa Haddou; and Founder, EMC³ Consulting Corporation, & TED x Speaker, Erin McDonaldBuilding communities through Fusion ForumOutside of product development, Bakare built a name for himself as a community organiser. ThroughFusion Forum, an initiative initially launched during thetechstarsEdmontonstartup week, he regularly convenes entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation.The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology Bakare’s journey mirrors that of a growing number of African-raised founders who have used Canadian graduate programmes as a launchpad into the country’s startup economy, before eventually building companies that look back toward the continent for talent, partnerships and ideas.From marketing startup to innovation platformX-Innovations launched with marketing and product development but evolved into a broader platform covering artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment readiness, ecosystem development, community engagement, international trade and startup visa services.The company is now positioning itself for global expansion, with plans to deepen innovation and trade partnerships between Nigeria, Canada and other markets, while building strategic relationships across the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and other emerging innovation hubs. Bakare said Africa’s biggest export potential no longer lies only in natural resources but increasingly in its talent, creativity and ability to solve global problems through innovation.Rather than operating solely as a technology firm, X-Innovations has taken a broader approach focused on helping founders, businesses, investors and institutions commercialise ideas, navigate international markets and build sustainable innovation ecosystems. The company offers startup advisory services, export development programmes, investment preparation and Startup Visa-related services, practical support for any founder serious about accessing Canada’s innovation economy.Book a complementary consultation.AI wearable tech at the centreArtificial intelligence sits at the centre of that strategy. The company’s award-winning product is a wearable technology that combines health, performance and dual-use capability, and its timing could not be more relevant. As the FIFA World Cup captures global attention, the conversation around how athlete data is collected, interpreted and applied has never been louder. Bakare’s platform sits squarely in that space, offering a vision of how AI-powered wearables could fundamentally change the way player performance data is gathered and used in real time, from injury prevention and recovery monitoring to in-game tactical decision-making at the highest level of sport.The implications stretch well beyond football. This crossover potential is precisely what Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation,Evan Solomon, the country’s first-ever AI minister has been championing federally, pushing Canadian AI companies to move from research leadership into real-world commercialisation and adoption.Judges credited the project not only for its underlying technology but also for its international market strategy and export readiness. Industry observers say that for a wearable health technology product, credible engineering paired with a clear path into foreign markets is often what separates award-winning ventures from the field.L-R: Damilare Bakare; Investor, Vital8T Ventures, Randy Duguay; Founder, Born Global Advisory and Ex-Government of Alberta, Senior Trade Relations Officer, Manisha Arora; Co-founder of LitLife Inc., Daniel Taylor; CEO & Co-Founder, FireSafe AI, Nafaa Haddou; and Founder, EMC³ Consulting Corporation, & TED x Speaker, Erin McDonaldBuilding communities through Fusion ForumOutside of product development, Bakare built a name for himself as a community organiser. ThroughFusion Forum, an initiative initially launched during thetechstarsEdmontonstartup week, he regularly convenes entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation.The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology X-Innovations launched with marketing and product development but evolved into a broader platform covering artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment readiness, ecosystem development, community engagement, international trade and startup visa services.The company is now positioning itself for global expansion, with plans to deepen innovation and trade partnerships between Nigeria, Canada and other markets, while building strategic relationships across the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and other emerging innovation hubs. Bakare said Africa’s biggest export potential no longer lies only in natural resources but increasingly in its talent, creativity and ability to solve global problems through innovation.Rather than operating solely as a technology firm, X-Innovations has taken a broader approach focused on helping founders, businesses, investors and institutions commercialise ideas, navigate international markets and build sustainable innovation ecosystems. The company offers startup advisory services, export development programmes, investment preparation and Startup Visa-related services, practical support for any founder serious about accessing Canada’s innovation economy.Book a complementary consultation.AI wearable tech at the centreArtificial intelligence sits at the centre of that strategy. The company’s award-winning product is a wearable technology that combines health, performance and dual-use capability, and its timing could not be more relevant. As the FIFA World Cup captures global attention, the conversation around how athlete data is collected, interpreted and applied has never been louder. Bakare’s platform sits squarely in that space, offering a vision of how AI-powered wearables could fundamentally change the way player performance data is gathered and used in real time, from injury prevention and recovery monitoring to in-game tactical decision-making at the highest level of sport.The implications stretch well beyond football. This crossover potential is precisely what Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation,Evan Solomon, the country’s first-ever AI minister has been championing federally, pushing Canadian AI companies to move from research leadership into real-world commercialisation and adoption.Judges credited the project not only for its underlying technology but also for its international market strategy and export readiness. Industry observers say that for a wearable health technology product, credible engineering paired with a clear path into foreign markets is often what separates award-winning ventures from the field.L-R: Damilare Bakare; Investor, Vital8T Ventures, Randy Duguay; Founder, Born Global Advisory and Ex-Government of Alberta, Senior Trade Relations Officer, Manisha Arora; Co-founder of LitLife Inc., Daniel Taylor; CEO & Co-Founder, FireSafe AI, Nafaa Haddou; and Founder, EMC³ Consulting Corporation, & TED x Speaker, Erin McDonaldBuilding communities through Fusion ForumOutside of product development, Bakare built a name for himself as a community organiser. ThroughFusion Forum, an initiative initially launched during thetechstarsEdmontonstartup week, he regularly convenes entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation.The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology The company is now positioning itself for global expansion, with plans to deepen innovation and trade partnerships between Nigeria, Canada and other markets, while building strategic relationships across the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and other emerging innovation hubs. Bakare said Africa’s biggest export potential no longer lies only in natural resources but increasingly in its talent, creativity and ability to solve global problems through innovation.Rather than operating solely as a technology firm, X-Innovations has taken a broader approach focused on helping founders, businesses, investors and institutions commercialise ideas, navigate international markets and build sustainable innovation ecosystems. The company offers startup advisory services, export development programmes, investment preparation and Startup Visa-related services, practical support for any founder serious about accessing Canada’s innovation economy.Book a complementary consultation.AI wearable tech at the centreArtificial intelligence sits at the centre of that strategy. The company’s award-winning product is a wearable technology that combines health, performance and dual-use capability, and its timing could not be more relevant. As the FIFA World Cup captures global attention, the conversation around how athlete data is collected, interpreted and applied has never been louder. Bakare’s platform sits squarely in that space, offering a vision of how AI-powered wearables could fundamentally change the way player performance data is gathered and used in real time, from injury prevention and recovery monitoring to in-game tactical decision-making at the highest level of sport.The implications stretch well beyond football. This crossover potential is precisely what Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation,Evan Solomon, the country’s first-ever AI minister has been championing federally, pushing Canadian AI companies to move from research leadership into real-world commercialisation and adoption.Judges credited the project not only for its underlying technology but also for its international market strategy and export readiness. Industry observers say that for a wearable health technology product, credible engineering paired with a clear path into foreign markets is often what separates award-winning ventures from the field.L-R: Damilare Bakare; Investor, Vital8T Ventures, Randy Duguay; Founder, Born Global Advisory and Ex-Government of Alberta, Senior Trade Relations Officer, Manisha Arora; Co-founder of LitLife Inc., Daniel Taylor; CEO & Co-Founder, FireSafe AI, Nafaa Haddou; and Founder, EMC³ Consulting Corporation, & TED x Speaker, Erin McDonaldBuilding communities through Fusion ForumOutside of product development, Bakare built a name for himself as a community organiser. ThroughFusion Forum, an initiative initially launched during thetechstarsEdmontonstartup week, he regularly convenes entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation.The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology Rather than operating solely as a technology firm, X-Innovations has taken a broader approach focused on helping founders, businesses, investors and institutions commercialise ideas, navigate international markets and build sustainable innovation ecosystems. The company offers startup advisory services, export development programmes, investment preparation and Startup Visa-related services, practical support for any founder serious about accessing Canada’s innovation economy.Book a complementary consultation.AI wearable tech at the centreArtificial intelligence sits at the centre of that strategy. The company’s award-winning product is a wearable technology that combines health, performance and dual-use capability, and its timing could not be more relevant. As the FIFA World Cup captures global attention, the conversation around how athlete data is collected, interpreted and applied has never been louder. Bakare’s platform sits squarely in that space, offering a vision of how AI-powered wearables could fundamentally change the way player performance data is gathered and used in real time, from injury prevention and recovery monitoring to in-game tactical decision-making at the highest level of sport.The implications stretch well beyond football. This crossover potential is precisely what Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation,Evan Solomon, the country’s first-ever AI minister has been championing federally, pushing Canadian AI companies to move from research leadership into real-world commercialisation and adoption.Judges credited the project not only for its underlying technology but also for its international market strategy and export readiness. Industry observers say that for a wearable health technology product, credible engineering paired with a clear path into foreign markets is often what separates award-winning ventures from the field.L-R: Damilare Bakare; Investor, Vital8T Ventures, Randy Duguay; Founder, Born Global Advisory and Ex-Government of Alberta, Senior Trade Relations Officer, Manisha Arora; Co-founder of LitLife Inc., Daniel Taylor; CEO & Co-Founder, FireSafe AI, Nafaa Haddou; and Founder, EMC³ Consulting Corporation, & TED x Speaker, Erin McDonaldBuilding communities through Fusion ForumOutside of product development, Bakare built a name for himself as a community organiser. ThroughFusion Forum, an initiative initially launched during thetechstarsEdmontonstartup week, he regularly convenes entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation.The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology Artificial intelligence sits at the centre of that strategy. The company’s award-winning product is a wearable technology that combines health, performance and dual-use capability, and its timing could not be more relevant. As the FIFA World Cup captures global attention, the conversation around how athlete data is collected, interpreted and applied has never been louder. Bakare’s platform sits squarely in that space, offering a vision of how AI-powered wearables could fundamentally change the way player performance data is gathered and used in real time, from injury prevention and recovery monitoring to in-game tactical decision-making at the highest level of sport.The implications stretch well beyond football. This crossover potential is precisely what Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation,Evan Solomon, the country’s first-ever AI minister has been championing federally, pushing Canadian AI companies to move from research leadership into real-world commercialisation and adoption.Judges credited the project not only for its underlying technology but also for its international market strategy and export readiness. Industry observers say that for a wearable health technology product, credible engineering paired with a clear path into foreign markets is often what separates award-winning ventures from the field.L-R: Damilare Bakare; Investor, Vital8T Ventures, Randy Duguay; Founder, Born Global Advisory and Ex-Government of Alberta, Senior Trade Relations Officer, Manisha Arora; Co-founder of LitLife Inc., Daniel Taylor; CEO & Co-Founder, FireSafe AI, Nafaa Haddou; and Founder, EMC³ Consulting Corporation, & TED x Speaker, Erin McDonaldBuilding communities through Fusion ForumOutside of product development, Bakare built a name for himself as a community organiser. ThroughFusion Forum, an initiative initially launched during thetechstarsEdmontonstartup week, he regularly convenes entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation.The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology The implications stretch well beyond football. This crossover potential is precisely what Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation,Evan Solomon, the country’s first-ever AI minister has been championing federally, pushing Canadian AI companies to move from research leadership into real-world commercialisation and adoption.Judges credited the project not only for its underlying technology but also for its international market strategy and export readiness. Industry observers say that for a wearable health technology product, credible engineering paired with a clear path into foreign markets is often what separates award-winning ventures from the field.L-R: Damilare Bakare; Investor, Vital8T Ventures, Randy Duguay; Founder, Born Global Advisory and Ex-Government of Alberta, Senior Trade Relations Officer, Manisha Arora; Co-founder of LitLife Inc., Daniel Taylor; CEO & Co-Founder, FireSafe AI, Nafaa Haddou; and Founder, EMC³ Consulting Corporation, & TED x Speaker, Erin McDonaldBuilding communities through Fusion ForumOutside of product development, Bakare built a name for himself as a community organiser. ThroughFusion Forum, an initiative initially launched during thetechstarsEdmontonstartup week, he regularly convenes entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation.The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology Judges credited the project not only for its underlying technology but also for its international market strategy and export readiness. Industry observers say that for a wearable health technology product, credible engineering paired with a clear path into foreign markets is often what separates award-winning ventures from the field.L-R: Damilare Bakare; Investor, Vital8T Ventures, Randy Duguay; Founder, Born Global Advisory and Ex-Government of Alberta, Senior Trade Relations Officer, Manisha Arora; Co-founder of LitLife Inc., Daniel Taylor; CEO & Co-Founder, FireSafe AI, Nafaa Haddou; and Founder, EMC³ Consulting Corporation, & TED x Speaker, Erin McDonaldBuilding communities through Fusion ForumOutside of product development, Bakare built a name for himself as a community organiser. ThroughFusion Forum, an initiative initially launched during thetechstarsEdmontonstartup week, he regularly convenes entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation.The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology L-R: Damilare Bakare; Investor, Vital8T Ventures, Randy Duguay; Founder, Born Global Advisory and Ex-Government of Alberta, Senior Trade Relations Officer, Manisha Arora; Co-founder of LitLife Inc., Daniel Taylor; CEO & Co-Founder, FireSafe AI, Nafaa Haddou; and Founder, EMC³ Consulting Corporation, & TED x Speaker, Erin McDonaldBuilding communities through Fusion ForumOutside of product development, Bakare built a name for himself as a community organiser. ThroughFusion Forum, an initiative initially launched during thetechstarsEdmontonstartup week, he regularly convenes entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation.The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology L-R: Damilare Bakare; Investor, Vital8T Ventures, Randy Duguay; Founder, Born Global Advisory and Ex-Government of Alberta, Senior Trade Relations Officer, Manisha Arora; Co-founder of LitLife Inc., Daniel Taylor; CEO & Co-Founder, FireSafe AI, Nafaa Haddou; and Founder, EMC³ Consulting Corporation, & TED x Speaker, Erin McDonaldBuilding communities through Fusion ForumOutside of product development, Bakare built a name for himself as a community organiser. ThroughFusion Forum, an initiative initially launched during thetechstarsEdmontonstartup week, he regularly convenes entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation.The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology Outside of product development, Bakare built a name for himself as a community organiser. ThroughFusion Forum, an initiative initially launched during thetechstarsEdmontonstartup week, he regularly convenes entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers, students, creatives and business leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, commercialisation, investment and human-centred innovation.The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology The forum has grown into one of the company’s flagship platforms, creating spaces where conversations develop into partnerships and where founders gain access to new markets, investors and collaborators.Related NewsExperts advocate balanced AI regulation to unlock digital economyLagos hosts QEDNG summit on Nigeria’s creative economyThe archipelago and geography of defianceAccording to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology According to Bakare, innovation cannot thrive in isolation. “The future belongs to those who can connect technology and creativity, this means connecting ecosystems, industries and people,” he says, adding that sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between government, academia, business and communities. That philosophy, he noted, has also shaped his growing involvement in Alberta’s innovation landscape, including its commercialisation programmes and entrepreneurship networks. Nigerian businesses and brands interested in leveraging X-Innovations’ platform for market expansion or commercialisation partnerships are encouraged tosubscribe on LinkedIn to our newsletterorscan the QR codebelow to learn more.From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology From left to right: Damilare Bakare, Mohamad Issa.To watch the fight, visit the link.Beyond the Boardroom: Sport, Art and the Many Dimensions of Damilare BakareOutside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology Outside of X-Innovations, founderBakareis a boxer with a 5-1 record, including one bout ended by knockout inside the first 30 seconds.Bakaretrains at Alliance Boxing in Edmonton and has trained at Finchley Boxing Club in London, the gym credited with producing heavyweight world championAnthony Joshua.He is also on an active martial arts journey at theGing Wu Martial Arts Association, where he has participated in various demonstrations and is gradually working his way through the ranks, and plays semi-professional football for Eternity FC, where he is known as a prolific goalscorer. Across all three disciplines, he supports charity initiatives including campaigns for children fighting cancer, and believes physical wellness, creativity and leadership are deeply interconnected, experiences that continue to shape X-Innovations’ approach to AI-powered health and performance technologies.As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology As a photographer,published visual artistand cultural curator, Bakare has captured some of the biggest moments in African culture on Canadian soil, most notably capturing global Afrobeats superstarDavidoat a major Afrofestive event, in 2025, a night that drew thousands and underscored the growing influence of African culture in the diaspora. His creative reach extends into film and modelling too.Bakarehas appeared on set alongside NHL superstarConnor McDavidin an All-Star commercial production, and alongside country music artistDallas Smithin the feature filmSouls Road,projects that speak to a profile that stretches well beyond the startup world.Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology Music forms part of his wider creative ecosystem. He has collaborated on several recent projects with his younger brother, Lagos-based artistAyokunle Bakare, who records asAyrestoredand whose forthcoming album, also titled Restored, is currently in the works. Their collaborations includeTrionda, inspired by the (Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026) Official match ball, andCOYG, a celebratoryArsenal-themed release, with Bakare contributing visual artwork to related projects. For him, music, visual storytelling and culture are not side projects but connected tools for expression, identity and community building across borders.For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology For Bakare, the boardroom, the boxing gym, the camera lens and the paintbrush are not separate pursuits but parts of the same broader project, building communities, whether in business, sport or art.Next Phase: International partnershipsWith the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology With the award win behind it, X-Innovations is now focused on international partnerships, foreign direct investment and cross-border commercialisation, building innovation bridges between Nigeria, Canada and the wider global economy.Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology Bakare said Nigeria remains central to that vision. He believes the country’s entrepreneurial energy and youthful population position it to become one of the world’s most influential innovation markets in the decades ahead.“My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology “My goal is not just to build another successful startup, but to create a platform that allows founders, researchers, investors and institutions to collaborate across borders, unlocking opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic and help drive human evolution forward,”he said.As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology As economies increasingly compete on innovation rather than geography, Bakare’s story reflects a broader shift in what the African diaspora is building, not just sending remittances home, but moving capital, knowledge and partnerships in both directions.Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology Nigeria may not be on football’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup, but one of its own is already competing in a different arena, and winning.Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology Connect with X-Innovations —scan the QR codeor visitwww.thexinnovations.com|Book a callEmail:[email protected]Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology Edmonton, Canada | X-Innovations & XposureNow Technology