The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the commencement of the third edition of its Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon as part of its Strategic Vision Plan 2023-2025.
The initiative aims to encourage the development of new technologies and indigenous content through cutting-edge research, ultimately fostering sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs Nigeria Communication Commission, (NCC) stated that Tech Hubs and Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs) in Nigeria are invited to enroll their startups and solutions in the Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon organized by NCC.
The focus areas for the Hackathon include 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 facilitate the development of innovative solutions and local content in the telecommunications sector, contributing to economic growth and social advancement in Nigeria.
The competition aims to translate novel ideas into the development of hardware/software solutions that address industry and societal challenges.
The three best solutions, one from each of the specified areas, will receive grants of N10 million each to further develop their solutions.
To participate in the competition, enterprises must meet certain eligibility criteria set by the Commission. These include providing a certificate of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), not having received previous support from the Commission, and proposing a clear and relevant problem statement, solution, and road-map to deployment.
Other requirements include providing a proof of concept, ensuring the novelty of the solution with a declaration of ownership of intellectual property, concluding the development of the solution within 6 months of receiving the grant, and proposing a detailed commercialisation plan.
All applications must be submitted online in the specified entry format, and there will be no financial cost to participate in the competition. The Commission will retain full control and ownership of the intellectual property of the developed solutions.
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.
