Silas Adekunle isn’t your typical engineer. Born in Nigeria and raised in the UK, he has carved a unique path that connects gaming, robotics, and education in an unconventional way. His story isn’t a highlight reel of success but a reflection of curiosity, trial, and a deep commitment to reshaping how young people, especially in Africa, interact with technology.
From Wildlife in Ibadan to Robotics in the UK
Born in Ibadan and later living in Osun State, Silas grew up with a love for wildlife. In a BBC interview, he shared how he loved wildlife while he was in Nigeria. His mother later moved to the UK as a nurse under the Health and Care Worker Visa programme, an initiative allowing qualified healthcare workers to contribute to the UK medical field. Silas and his family eventually joined her, marking a turning point in his educational journey.
In the UK, he developed a love for gaming. While studying Robotics at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), he discovered that robotics could be used to teach fundamental concepts in science and mathematics in an engaging way.
Fusing Gaming with Robotics
Instead of building robotics tools the conventional way, Silas chose to bring gaming into the picture. He noted in the BBC interview that robotics, although exciting, could sometimes feel boring. This observation led him to the idea of combining it with gaming to enhance its appeal and accessibility. That insight led to the founding of Reach Robotics in 2013.
After six years of development, his team created MekaMon, a four-legged robot that integrated Augmented Reality (AR). MekaMon was more than a tech toy, it was interactive, immersive, and educational. Unlike typical market toys, it acted and reacted like something straight out of a science fiction film, designed not just to entertain but to teach.
MekaMon gained attention from major players like Apple, which featured it in stores across the US and UK. Backed by more than $10 million in venture funding, Reach Robotics made an impact before closing in 2019 due to market conditions. But the work Silas had done proved something deeper.
You can create and bring to life anything you put your mind to.
Reflecting on his work in the BBC interview, he conveyed that the process helped him realize that with enough determination, it was possible to bring any idea to life. That belief became the basis for his next chapter, taking robotics to Africa.
Awarri: Powering Africa’s Tech Future
Silas founded Awarri, a company focused on building robotics and AI infrastructure across Africa. From developing Nigeria’s first multilingual large language model to training the next generation of African tech leaders, Awarri is designed to give creators and students the tools to build and experiment.
He also leads Reach Industries, a company using AI-powered tools to support scientific research and lab automation.
A Different Kind of Tech Leader
Silas Adekunle has been featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 and recognized by the Financial Times as a Top 100 Minority Ethnic Leader in Technology. But his work speaks louder than awards. His story isn’t about flashy success. It’s about staying curious, trying new things, and being willing to start again when things don’t go as planned.
From Ibadan to London, from gaming consoles to robotic labs, Silas Adekunle continues to challenge assumptions about what technology can do and who gets to build it.
What part of Silas Adekunle’s journey inspired you most? Let’s talk in the comments.
And if you’re curious about more African innovators reshaping the world? Keep exploring our spotlight series.
