The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has initiated its third Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon competition, aligning with its Strategic Vision Plan 2023-2025. This initiative aims to encourage the development of innovative technologies and local content through cutting-edge research, ultimately fostering sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
The NCC invites Tech Hubs and Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs) across Nigeria to participate in this Hackathon competition. The competition will focus on three key areas: Blockchain-enabled Data Protection Solutions for Enhancing Regulatory Compliance, Assistive Technology Solutions for the Elderly and People with Disabilities, and Technology Solutions for Renewable Energy in Rural Areas.
The NCC Talent Hunt Research Through Hackathon leverages emerging digital technologies to support the creation of innovative solutions and local content development within the telecommunications sector, thereby driving economic growth and societal progress in Nigeria.
Participants in the competition will have the opportunity to translate innovative ideas into hardware or software solutions that address industry and societal challenges. The top three solutions, one from each thematic area, will receive grants of N10 million each to further develop their solutions.
To be eligible for participation, enterprises must meet specific criteria, including registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), no previous support from the NCC, alignment with one of the three thematic areas, a clear problem statement, proposed solution, and deployment plan. Other requirements include proof of concept, intellectual property ownership declaration, prototype development within six months of receiving the grant, and a comprehensive commercialization plan.
Applications should be submitted online following the specified format, with no financial cost for participation. Participants retain full control and ownership of their intellectual property.
Submissions must be made by a Tech Hub/Innovation-Driven Enterprise, including an executive summary, a pilot project video, team member details, and relevant contact information. The application deadline is Friday, September 22, 2023.
The NCC has promoted this Hackathon competition through a three-week advertorial and encourages all stakeholders in the startup ecosystem to take note of the application deadline.
All interested and qualified enterprises should submit requested documents in a zip folder to https://ncc.gov.ng/talenthuntresearchhackathon2023 with the subject of the mail titled “Submission from <business name>” and the zipped file named after the business.
