Diaspora Star | Silas Adekunle : The Robotics Visionary Empowering a New Generation

Silas Adekunle is a name that continues to resonate across the global tech space. A Nigerian-born robotics engineer and entrepreneur, Silas has carved out a unique legacy as a trailblazer in robotics and augmented reality. His story is one of innovation, resilience, and deep-rooted commitment to empowering the next generation of African tech talents.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Silas spent his formative years in the vibrant city before relocating to the United Kingdom during his teenage years. While not much has been publicly shared about his family, Silas has often spoken about the importance of his Nigerian upbringing and how it shaped his worldview, resilience, and hunger for innovation. His parents played a critical role in encouraging his interest in education and technology from an early age.

Silas pursued his passion for technology by studying Robotics at the University of the West of England, Bristol. During his university years, he began exploring the possibilities of merging education, gaming, and robotics to create exciting learning experiences. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for what would later become his revolutionary work with MekaMon, the world’s first intelligent gaming robot.

In 2017, Silas became the first person to build a consumer-grade, AR-enhanced gaming robot, MekaMon, through his startup Reach Robotics. The product caught international attention and was soon stocked in Apple stores in the U.S. and U.K., making Silas one of the few Black tech entrepreneurs to reach such a global milestone at the time.

After Reach Robotics closed in 2019 due to market constraints, Silas redirected his energy toward Awarri, a company focused on advancing AI and robotics education across Africa. Awarri is now actively working to equip young Africans with hands-on skills in robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence, ensuring that the continent isn’t left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Through partnerships with local tech hubs and educational institutions in Nigeria, Silas is helping to bridge the digital divide and unlock opportunities for thousands of young people. His vision is clear: to democratize access to technology and innovation in Africa, especially for underrepresented communities.

Silas Adekunle is not just an innovator , he is an inspiration. For many young Nigerians in the diaspora and at home, his story is a reminder that brilliance has no borders. His journey encourages aspiring engineers, coders, and creators to dream big and build boldly.

He remains a proud ambassador of Nigerian excellence abroad, and his efforts continue to light the way for the next generation of African tech leaders.