The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has awarded N10 million to three startups to support their research endeavors aimed at boosting Nigeria’s economy. The awards were presented at the grand finale of the 2023 Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon, a three-day event organized by the NCC in Abuja.
The three winning startups are as follows:
- Solaris Greentech: Awarded for research in the renewable energy thematic area.
- Knownow Africa Blockchain: Recognized for research in the blockchain thematic area.
- Specxcare Limited: Awarded for their contributions to the assistive tech thematic area.
In addition to the three winners, the other nine participating startups were each awarded N500,000 in recognition of their hard work and participation.
The Executive Commissioner of Technical Services at NCC, Ubale Maska, highlighted that the NCC actively promotes hackathon competitions with thematic focuses, aiming to address significant challenges within the telecom industry and society as a whole. He noted that previous hackathons have yielded innovative solutions to issues such as kidnapping and banditry, E-waste management, and strategies to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2023 hackathon event focused on three pivotal thematic areas that resonate not only with Nigeria but also with global concerns. These areas include:
- Blockchain-Enabled Data Protection Solutions: To enhance regulatory compliance.
- Assistive Technology Solutions: For the elderly and people with disabilities.
- Technology Solutions for Renewable Energy: Focused on rural areas.
Maska stressed that the impact of the hackathon goes beyond the monetary reward, as the NCC takes a holistic approach to support promising innovations. The hackathon will be followed by an incubation and mentorship program designed to equip startups, inventors, and tech entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to refine their ideas.
The Director of Research and Development at NCC, Ismail Adedigba, emphasized that hackathons provide invaluable opportunities to discover and adapt to new technologies. He acknowledged the pivotal role young innovators play in addressing industrial challenges and creating technology-driven solutions with tangible social impact. A total of twelve startups from various geopolitical zones across Nigeria participated in the 2023 Talent Hunt Research, with three emerging as winners.
