NCC gives N10m prizes on winners in Talent Hunt Research Through Hackathon

The Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, has rounded off its 2023 Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Talent Hunt Research Through Hackathon on October 26, with amazing prizes of N10 million for winners in different categories of the competition.

There were 81 entries, from which 12 participants were shortlisted. Of the 12 shortlisted, three emerged as winners from three thematic focus bellow:

Blockchain Solution category, where Know-Now Limited emerged winner with N10 million prize;

In the Renewable Energy Solutions category, Solaris GreenTech Hub, emerged the winner with N10m prize; and

In the Assistive Technology Solutions category, Spex Care Limited emerged winner with N10m prize.

The remaining nine innovators from 12 selected participants were given N500,000 consolation prize each with certificate of commendation for their participation in the annual contest hosted by the Commission.

The Chairman of the panel of judges for the Hackathon, Prof. Mohammed Hajiya, announced the winners at the event.

He commended the Commission for promoting technology innovation, and applauded the winners and other innovators who participated for good contest.

He also encouraged them to contribute to leveraging their solutions to develop Nigerian economy.

In the same vein, NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Engr. Ubale Maska, in his speech on the occasion, emphasised that the event is of paramount importance as it aligns perfectly with one of the core objectives embedded within the commission’s new Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) for the years 2023-2025.

“Our primary aim is to foster the development of cutting- edge technologies through rigorous research, thereby catalyzing sustainable economic growth and overall development within Nigeria,” he said.

He said, “In a world where innovation is paramount, we often witness the remarkable potential of Hackathons to showcase, fresh perspectives on existing challenges. These events serve as instrumental tools in sustaining innovation and mobilizing the collective intelligence of the innovators to tackle pressing real-world issues, both in the business realm and within our social fabric.

“Throughout the years, the Commission has actively promoted hackathon competitions, each with a thematic focus aimed at addressing significant challenges within our industries and society as a whole. Some noteworthy examples include hackathons that yielded innovative solutions for issues such as kidnapping and banditry, E-waste management, and strategies to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.”

According to him, the “Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon is just the inception of the Commission’s unwavering commitment to nurturing innovation and nascent ideas.

“The culmination of this competition is not confined to the grand prize of Ten Million Naira (N10,000,000.00) awarded to each winner from these three thematic areas for the development of their solutions, but goes beyond this, as the Commission takes a holistic approach to support these promising innovations. We closely monitor the progress of these solutions as they evolve into full-fledged prototypes.”

Also, Alhaji Ismail Adedigba, Acting Director Research and Development Department of the NCC, said: “It is encouraging to see so many familiar faces in the audience, including those who have graced our previous events. The diversity of our participants, hailing from various Geopolitical Zones, exemplifies your unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and expansion within the ICT industry,” while congratulating the young innovators who are participating in the highly competitive project.

“We have every confidence that you have brought forth a plethora of creative solutions, and we eagerly anticipate the outstanding commercializable prototypes that will emerge from your endeavours.”

He stressed that this is an era marked by rapid change, driven incessantly by innovation and technology, saying that he is “convinced that events like this innovative Hackathon, if held regularly, offers us invaluable opportunities to unearth and adapt to new technologies. These adaptations will equip us to effectively navigate the ever-evolving landscape and surmount the current and future challenges facing not only our industries but also our broader societal spheres.”

According to him, “It is imperative to acknowledge that our young innovators have a pivotal role to play in addressing existing industrial challenges and formulating technology-driven solutions that yield tangible social impact.

“Innovation in Communication Technologies stands as the driving force behind the very essence of the Telecommunication industry today. Technology has emerged as the catalyst that unleashes unprecedented potential in ways we could scarcely fathom.

“Consequently, the advancement of the Telecommunication sector, and doing so in a manner that is sustainable and ethical, should be a collective concern for all of us. The rate of growth experienced by the Telecom sector, thanks to innovative research, is nothing short of enviable. It is essential that the vision of the Commission for this Competition resonates profoundly with all stakeholders in general and accelerating our collective prosperity through technical efficiency agenda of the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.”

While emphasizing that success is the outcome of a harmonious blend of talent, willpower, and hard work, he restated the commission’s unwavering commitment to building and strengthening the bridge between Tech Hubs and the Telecom industry.

“We will persistently encourage innovative research that not only mirrors global innovations but also tailors them to local contexts,” he said.

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