Abuja, Oct. 27, 2023 – The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has picked the three winners in its 2023 NCC 2023 Talent Hunt Research Through Hackathon competition.
The three winners emerged from the three thematic focus in Blockchain Solution, Renewable Solution and Assistive Solution.
In the Blockchain Solution category, Know-Now Limited, emerged winner with N10 million prize.
In the Renwable Energy Solutions category, Solaris GreenTech Hub, emerged the winner with N10 million prize.
In the Assistive Technology Solutions category, Spex Care Limited, emerged the with N10 million prize.
The remaining nine innovators from the 12 that were shortlisted were given N500,00 consolation prizes each with certificates of commendation.
Speaking at the grand finale of the competition in Abuja on Thursday, Mr Ubale Maska, the NCC Executive Commissioner (Technical Services), expressed NCC’s commitment to fostering innovative ideas through researches.
He said the talent hunt had become a platform where innovative ideas flourish, and aspirations transform into reality for our burgeoning startups.
Maska said that over the years, the Commission had actively promoted hackathon competitions, each with a thematic focus aimed at addressing significant challenges within our industries and society as a whole.
He said some noteworthy examples included hackathons that yielded innovative solutions for issues such as kidnapping and banditry, E-waste management, and strategies to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maska said the Commission had taken the lead in sponsoring the deployment of the finalised products within select government agencies and institutions.
He said the Commission had successfully adopted all three winning solutions from the 2020 Hackathon.
Maska said the first solution that was adopted is Klasconnect, an e-learning marvel that fortifies the interaction between instructors and students.
He said the NCC had spearheaded the implementation of Klasconnect in six government schools, strategically located across the six geopolitical zones of our nation.
“The second solution, an Automated Temperature Scanner with Contact Tracing Capability, now graces the Commission’s library, serving as a beacon of advanced technology in our institution.
“Lastly, we have the SmartClinic, a versatile mobile and web solution that seamlessly connects patients through a mobile health app with a Hospital Information Management System (HIMS),” he said.
Maska promised that the talent hunt research through Hackathon was 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.
“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.
“The Hackathon will be preceded by an Incubation and Mentorship Programme, which will be designed to equip startups, innovators and tech entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to refine their ideas.
Alhaji Ismail Adedigba, the NCC Acting Director (Research and Development), said that events like Hackathon offered invaluable opportunities to unearth and adapt to new technologies and should be sustained.
“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.
“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.
Adedigba said the advancement of the telecommunication sector should be a collective concern for all the stakeholders.
“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,” he said. (GBN)
