Three outstanding companies have emerged victorious in the Nigerian Communication Commission’s (NCC) renowned technology innovation talent hunt competition, claiming a total of N30 million in prize money. The competition, which saw 81 companies vying for recognition, showcased the best of Nigeria’s burgeoning tech industry.
The 2023 NCC Annual Hackathon Competition was judged by a distinguished Panel of Judges led by the esteemed President of Digital Bridge Institute, Prof. Mohammed Ajiya. Among the winners were Solaris GreenTech Hub, Knownow Africa Limited, and Specxs Care Limited, each showcasing their remarkable prowess in their respective fields.
Solaris, represented by the exceptional team of Chiemela Anosike, Ineke Chinecherem, and Onoh Chiemela, secured victory in the Renewable Energy Solution category. Their revolutionary and sustainable green energy solution provides clean energy hubs for people in rural communities, allowing them to charge their phones and other electronic devices.
Knownow Africa Limited, comprised of Abdulazeez Abiola, Dr. Mudasiru Taiwo, and Dr. Oluwaseun Ojerinde, emerged as the winners in the Blockchain Solution category. Their innovative fraud-detection and prevention solution exemplifies the power of blockchain technology.
Another triumphant participant was Specxs Care Limited, whose team, consisting of Isah Dahiru, Ameenat Bala, and Musa Gambo, developed ‘Smart Bladder.’ This wearable device is designed to help manage urinary incontinence in elderly individuals, promoting personal hygiene and reducing daily expenses.
Following a rigorous evaluation process, Prof. Ajiya commended the panel’s meticulousness in assessing all the submissions and selecting the finalists. The panel’s adherence to the Commission’s requirements ensured a fair and transparent competition.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, expressed his enthusiasm for the event in his keynote address. Represented by the Director of Research and Development, Ismail Adedigba, Dr. Maida emphasized that the competition aligns perfectly with the NCC’s Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) for 2023-2025. The plan focuses on fostering the development of cutting-edge technologies through research, thereby stimulating sustainable economic growth and overall development in Nigeria.
The event concentrated on three pivotal thematic areas that are not only relevant to Nigeria but also resonate with global concerns. These themes included 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.
Adedigba highlighted that the Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon is just the beginning of the NCC’s steadfast commitment to nurturing innovation and encouraging nascent ideas. The Commission remains dedicated to supporting the winning solutions beyond the prize money stage, ensuring that these promising innovations evolve into fully-realized prototypes.
In a world where innovation plays a crucial role, NCC recognizes the immense potential of hackathons in presenting fresh perspectives on existing challenges. These annual hackathons serve as instrumental tools in sustaining innovation and harnessing the collective intelligence of innovators to tackle pressing real-world issues in both the business realm and our social fabric.
With the conclusion of the NCC’s talent hunt, Solaris, Knownow, and Specxs have rightly earned their place in the spotlight, their groundbreaking innovations serving as beacons of hope for Nigeria’s thriving tech industry.
