The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has initiated the third edition of its Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon, as part of its commitment to realizing the Strategic Vision Plan 2023-2025. This strategic plan aims to foster the development of cutting-edge technologies and homegrown content while driving sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
NCC has invited Tech Hubs and Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs) from across Nigeria to participate in the Talent Hunt Research by submitting their innovative startups and solutions.
The Hackathon will revolve around three key themes:
- Blockchain-enabled Data Protection Solutions for Regulatory Compliance.
- Assistive Technology Solutions for the Elderly and People with Disabilities.
- Technology Solutions for Renewable Energy in Rural Areas.
Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs of the NCC, explained that this initiative leverages emerging digital technologies to nurture local innovation and content creation within the telecommunications sector, ultimately contributing to economic and social progress in Nigeria. Contestants will have the opportunity to transform groundbreaking ideas into tangible hardware and software solutions addressing industry and societal challenges.
The top three solutions, one from each thematic area, will receive N10 million grants to further develop their solutions.
To be eligible, participants must meet specific criteria, including providing a certificate of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), not having received prior support from NCC, and ensuring clear alignment with one of the three thematic areas. Additionally, participants must present a well-defined problem statement, proposed solution, and deployment roadmap.
The National Communications Commission (NCC) has outlined several essential requirements for participation in its upcoming competition. These requirements include:
1. Presenting a proof of concept.
2. Asserting ownership of intellectual property.
3. Completing prototype development within six months of receiving the grant.
4. Outlining a detailed commercialization plan.
The Commission has specified that the proposal must follow an entry submission format that includes the following elements:
1. Ideation.
2. Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and solution.
3. Current Sweat Equity Investment.
4. Product-market fit status.
5. Verifiable Go-to-Market status.
6. Growth Feasibility Assurances.
7. Maturity Model and Timeliness.
8. Existing time: Disaster Recovery (where applicable).
NCC has emphasized that all applications should be submitted online, following the specified entry format. Importantly, there is no financial cost associated with participating in the competition, and full control and ownership of the intellectual property of the developed solutions will remain with the Commission.
Additionally, NCC has stated that the entries must be submitted by a Tech Hub/Innovation-Driven Enterprise that can demonstrate a relationship with the Start-up/solution being entered. The submission should also include a 4-page Executive summary of the project concept, a 3-5 minute video of the pilot project, and detailed information about all team members, including names, ages, contact details, passport photos, profiles, and the website (if available), as well as an email address for the applicant.
Interested and qualified enterprises are required to submit the requested documents in a zip folder to https://ncc.gov.ng/talenthuntresearchhackathon2023 with the subject of the email titled “Submission from [Your Business Name],” and the zipped file named after the business.
The Commission has announced that it ran an advertorial on the Hackathon for three weeks and has set the application deadline for Friday, 22nd September 2023. Applicants are encouraged to take note of this deadline and ensure timely submission.
