By Dele Ogbodo
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Thursday rewarded three Nigerian burgeoning Starup outfits with N10, 000,000.00 (Ten million each) and N4, 500, 000.00 (Four million, five hundred thousand) to nine innovators which aggregated to N34.5 million for innovative efforts at the 2023 Hackathon Challenge.
Speaking at the grand finale of the Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon, 2023, at the Commission Headquarters in Abuja, the Chairman, Panel of Judges for the event, Prof. Mohammed Hajiya, while announcing the winners commended the Commission for promoting technology innovation.
He applauded the winners and other innovators who participated and encouraged them to contribute to leveraging their solutions to develop Nigerian economy.
The Executive Commissioner, Technical Services of the Commission, Engr Ubale Maska, in his opening remarks expressed optimism that the talent hunt research through hackathon which has become an annual challenge among aspiring tech innovators where innovative ideas flourish and aspirations transformed into reality for our burgeoning startups.
Maska, said the occasion aligns perfectly with one of the core objectives embedded in NCC’s new Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) for the years 2023-2025, adding: “Our primary aim is to foster the development of cutting- edge technologies through rigorous research, thereby catalyzing sustainable economic growth and overall development within Nigeria.
“In a world where innovation is paramount, we often witness the remarkable potential of Hackathons to showcase, fresh perspectives on existing challenges.
“These events serve as instrumental tools in sustaining innovation and mobilizing 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, the Commission has actively promoted hackathon competitions, each with a thematic focus aimed at addressing significant challenges within our 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.
“This year's event focuses on three pivotal thematic areas, those that not only pertain to our great nation but also resonate with global concerns. These themes are: 1. 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.”
The culmination of this competition, the Commissioner, added is not confined to the grand prize of N10,000,000.00 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, explaining that the Commission will closely monitor the progress of these solutions as they evolve into full-fledged prototypes.
According to him, journey does not end with today’s closing ceremony, as the next stage involves the Adoption of Digital Innovative Services and Products stemming from the Hackathons.
He said: “In this initiative, our Commission takes the lead in sponsoring the deployment of the finalized products within select government agencies and institutions.
“It is with great pride that I inform you that, thus far, we have 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.”
Rounding up his speech, he said the Commission, is committed to fostering innovation and driving positive change through hackathons and related initiatives remains unwavering. 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.
In a remark, the Director, Research and Development, Mr. Ismail Adedigba, while commending the participants, said NCC is confident that they have brought forth a plethora of creative solutions, and we eagerly anticipate the outstanding commercializable prototypes that will emerge from your endeavours.
Adedigba, said: “We find ourselves in an era marked by rapid change, driven incessantly by innovation and technology. I am deeply convinced that events like this innovative Hackathon, if held regularly, offers us 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.
“Innovation in ICT stands as the driving force behind the very essence of the telecommunication industry today, adding that technology has emerged as the catalyst that unleashes unprecedented potential in ways, we could scarcely fathom.
He tasked the innovators that NCC will persistently encourage innovative research that not only mirrors global innovations but also tailors them to local contexts.
Prof. Hajia, in a remark announced the various winners, adding that: “In the Blockchain Solution category, Know-Now Limited emerged winner with N10m prize.
“In the Renewable Energy Solutions category, Solaris GreenTech Hub, emerged the winner with N10m prize.
“In the Assistive Technology Solutions category, Spex Care Limited emerged winner with N10m prize.
“The remaining 9 innovators from the 12 were given N500,000 consolation prize each with certificate of commendation for their participation in the annual contest hosted by the Commission.”
