As part of giving expression to its Strategic Vision Plan (2023-2025) of encouraging the development of new technologies and indigenous content through cutting-edge research, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently concluded its 2023 Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon.
With each theme focused at tackling major difficulties within industries and society as a whole, the initiative’s principal objective has been to foster sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria over the years.
The executive commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Engr. Ubale Maska, averred that the world has witnessed the remarkable potential of Hackathons to showcase fresh perspectives on existing challenges, adding that these events serve as instrumental tools in sustaining innovation and mobilising 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, Maska said the Commission has actively promoted hackathon competitions, each with a thematic focus aimed at addressing significant challenges within 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.
“Our primary aim is to foster the development of cutting-edge technologies through rigorous research, thereby catalysing sustainable economic growth and overall development within Nigeria.
“The NCC Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon leverages emerging digital technologies to facilitate the development of home-grown innovative solutions and local content development in the telecommunications sector while fostering economic growth and social advancement in Nigeria. The competition enables the translation of novel ideas into the development of hardware/software solutions that address industry and societal challenges,” he further explained.
To the director, Research and Development Department, NCC, Alh. Ismail Adedigba, the world is in an era marked by rapid change, driven incessantly by innovation and technology, while affirming that the Hackathon by NCC, if held regularly, offers Nigeria 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. 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,” Adedigba posited.
This Year’s Focus
The year’s Hackathon focuses on 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.
Nigerian startups competed for the grand prize of N30 million for the development of solutions in these three areas, and the best three solutions, one from each of the three areas received grants of N10 million each for the development of the solutions.
Out of the 12 shortlisted contestants, three Nigerian technology companies emerged as winners. The companies are Know-Now Limited, who won a N10 million prize, under the Blockchain Solution category; in the Renewable Energy Solutions category, Solaris GreenTech Hub emerged the winner with a N10 million prize, and in the Assistive Technology Solutions category, Spex Care Limited emerged the winner with a N10 million prize.
The remaining nine innovators from the 12 were given a N500,000 consolation prize each with a certificate of commendation for their participation in the annual contest hosted by the Commission.
Maska averred that the culmination of this competition is not confined to the grand prize of N10 million 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.
Next stage
“We closely monitor the progress of these solutions as they evolve into full-fledged prototypes,” the executive commissioner said, adding that 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.
This phase encompasses critical aspects such as determining product-market fit, navigating intellectual property challenges, and constructing robust business plans, Maska said, as it offers the Commission the opportunity to gauge the impact that these grants and prizes have had on the beneficiaries and the industry.
“The journey does not end here. The next stage involves the Adoption of Digital Innovative Services and Products stemming from the Hackathons. In this initiative, our Commission takes the lead in sponsoring the deployment of the finalised products within select government agencies and institutions,” he disclosed.
Recalling the success recorded from the 2020 Hackathon, Maska said, the Commission has successfully adopted all three winning solutions from the 2020 Hackathon.
“These solutions were meticulously crafted to combat pandemics and epidemics that threatened our nation. The first solution, Klasconnect, is an e-learning marvel that fortifies the interaction between instructors and students. Our Commission has spearheaded its implementation 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). This innovation boasts an array of features, including COVID-19 self-assessment, hospital registration through the app, instant consultation options encompassing chat, voice, and video, and comprehensive documentation by doctors. In another remarkable achievement, our Commission has facilitated the deployment of this solution to four teaching hospitals and two state-owned hospitals across the six geopolitical zones of our nation,” he further revealed.
The executive commissioner, however, assured the Commission’s commitment to fostering innovation and driving positive change through hackathons and related initiatives.
Maska, however, called for collective efforts, adding that, “The transformative power of innovation knows no bounds, and together, we will continue to explore uncharted territories, seek groundbreaking solutions, and ultimately, contribute to the progress and prosperity of our great nation. Together, let us embark on a journey of innovation and transformation that will reshape our future for the better.
“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 the technical efficiency agenda of the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy,” Adedigba added.
