Over the years, the tech community in Nigerian universities has flourished in great numbers. One of the leading factors is the continuous hosting of tech-centric events; the pooling together of like minds to discuss relevant topics, staying abreast of the recent happenings in the Nigerian and global tech space, and fostering kinship.

Web3 Connect UNN

Recently, one such event was hosted at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). On Saturday, the 21st of October, 2023, a web3 event was held at the New Engineering Annex. Web3 Connect UNN is an opportunity for web3 enthusiasts to connect with web3 projects. This session was hosted by Switch Electric, in collaboration with the M3tering protocol and GreenPill Network.

Switch Electric

Image Source / Switch Electric

Switch Electric is a web3 project that has introduced the first smart meter designed specifically for decentralized energy projects. These meters equip individuals with the capacity to own and sell power at their own discretion.

These meters are available in a variety of configurations, each created to be seamlessly integrated into existing solar panels, with existing compatibility with inverters and battery systems. The meter has single, three-phase, indoor/outdoor versions.

The Switch Mobile, the mobile application of Switch Electric, is poised to provide users with remote access and control over the Maxwell meters, with various features like on-the-go payments and analytics to track electricity consumption. The app can be customized to suit business owners with the addition of other features like loyalty programs, customer service relations, customized messaging, and others. The app is built to accommodate both Android and iOS users.

(The Switch Mobile app is still in beta testing and will be released soon).

Launching the M3tering Protocol

Image Source / Switch Electric

This session was hosted by Switch Electric, in collaboration with the M3tering protocol and GreenPill Network. The aim of the event was to educate the student community about the importance of both projects, and their sustainability, and also offer opportunities for them to join their communities.

The event featured hands-on hackathons where developers built on the M3tering protocol, keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Switch Electric also presented its initiatives for decentralized energy solutions and the potential impact its usage would bring. These initiatives: the M3tering protocol and GreenPill Nigeria were unveiled as highlights of the event.

What is the M3tering Protocol?

Image Source / Switch Electric

M3tering is a token-incentivized protocol with the objective of driving capital investment in solar energy projects to electrify underserved regions, especially in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to achieve this by incentivizing individuals and institutions to become electricity providers through on-site rooftop solar installations and PPAs.

In simple terms, it is an energy-providing solution that aims to grant individuals access to affordable and sustainable energy. This will be done through the use of solar panels installed on rooftops with connections to inverters and battery systems for energy storage and management.

How Does the M3tering Protocol Work?

Consumers pre-pay for clean electricity using DAI stable-coins, and providers receive rewards in protocol tokens. Through network effects, the protocol fosters the growth of electrification services, driving capital expenditure into sustainable infrastructure projects and promoting cleaner energy access in the global south.

The M3tering Protocol aims to contribute to social and economic development by providing a reliable supply of electricity to productive users and promoting sustainable energy solutions for the public good.

What is GreenPill Nigeria?

Image Source / GreenPill Network

GreenPill Network is a decentralized project that applies the use of crypto-economics. Crypto-economics is the use of blockchain incentives to design new kinds of systems, applications, or networks. These applications can be used in various sectors such as gaming, transportation, and housing.

The GreenPill Ideology involved going a step beyond personal desires and using cryptocurrency as a collective tool for change while creating an open-source value chain that improves lives globally.

The GreenPill Nigeria Project was launched in the program, as the Nigerian chapter of the GreenPill Network. It aims to empower and co-ordinate indigenous citizens to participate in improving the environment and community.

Image Source / Switch Electric /GreenPill Network

The event was a huge success, as attendees got to learn about the limitless possibilities of web3, have a first look at indigenous innovative projects shaping the African tech landscape, and the power of decentralization.