InnoPower Expands AI Training for Business Owners in Indianapolis and Africa
Emil Ekiyor, founder of InnoPower, is scaling AI education to reach small business owners in Indianapolis and rural African communities through a new partnership model. The initiative aims to train one million people on using AI tools, up from the 1,000 Hoosiers trained so far.
Ekiyor says AI lowers what he calls the "cost of capacity" for small businesses. Hiring additional staff has traditionally been too expensive for sole proprietors, limiting growth. AI tools now fill that gap, allowing business owners to increase productivity without major new expenses.
Mobile-First Approach for Rural Access
The strategy relies on LumaLearn, an AI tool designed to work on mobile phones and platforms like WhatsApp. This targets rural African communities where traditional educational infrastructure is limited but mobile connectivity is widespread.
LumaLearn helps teachers create lesson plans and enables students to ask questions and learn independently. The tool addresses a practical constraint: many regions lack reliable electricity and internet access, but mobile networks are available.
Train-the-Trainer Model in U.S. Cities
In Indianapolis and other U.S. cities, InnoPower uses a "train-the-trainer" approach. The team certifies community members who then teach others, allowing the organization to reach hundreds of people quickly without requiring a large central staff.
Ekiyor said many high school graduates lack basic AI literacy, creating a workforce gap. He views ensuring communities have access to AI for Education as a responsibility as the technology becomes fundamental to employment.
The model has already generated interest from other regions beyond Indianapolis, suggesting demand for accessible AI training extends across the country.
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