In a competitive showdown featuring 81 companies, the Nigerian Communication Commission’s technology innovation talent hunt culminated with three deserving companies equally splitting the N30 million prize money. Additionally, nine other shortlisted companies were awarded consolation prizes of N500,000 each.
Solaris GreenTech Hub, Knownow Africa Limited, and Specxs Care Limited emerged as the standout performers at the 2023 NCC Annual Hackathon Competition, judged by an independent panel chaired by Prof. Mohammed Ajiya, the President of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI).
Solaris, represented by Chiemela Anosike, Ineke Chinecherem, and Onoh Chiemela, secured victory in the Renewable Energy Solution category with their innovative green energy solution. This technology aims to provide clean energy hubs in rural communities, enabling people to charge their phones and electronic devices sustainably.
Knownow, with a talented team consisting of Abdulazeez Abiola, Dr. Mudasiru Taiwo, and Dr. Oluwaseun Ojerinde, emerged victorious in the Blockchain Solution category with their cutting-edge fraud detection and prevention solution.
Specxs Care Limited, with its team of Isah Dahiru, Ameenat Bala, and Musa Gambo, clinched the title with their ‘Smart Bladder’ wearable devices. These devices are designed to assist in managing urinary incontinence among the elderly, offering cost savings and improved personal hygiene.
Prof. Ajiya commended the panel for their meticulous evaluation of the entries, ensuring strict compliance with the Commission’s requirements throughout the competition.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighted the event’s alignment with the Commission’s core objectives as outlined in the new Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) for 2023-2025. This includes fostering the development of cutting-edge technologies to drive sustainable economic growth and overall development in Nigeria.
The event focused on three key thematic areas: Blockchain-enabled Data Protection Solutions for Regulatory Compliance, Assistive Technology Solutions for the Elderly and People with Disabilities, and Technology Solutions for Renewable Energy in Rural Areas.
Ismail Adedigba, the Director of Research and Development at NCC, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to nurturing innovation and fostering nascent ideas. He explained that the competition’s culmination involved more than just awarding N10 million to each winner from the three thematic areas. NCC also actively supports the development of these promising innovations, closely monitoring their progress as they evolve into full-fledged prototypes.
Adedigba noted that in a world where innovation is crucial, NCC recognizes the potential of hackathons in providing fresh perspectives on existing challenges. The NCC’s annual hackathon serves as a vital tool in sustaining innovation and mobilizing the collective intelligence of innovators to address real-world issues in both the business and social domains.
