The Commission stated that it aimed to achieve through rigorous research, thereby catalysing sustainable economic growth and overall development within the country.
NCC Executive Commissioner (Technical Services), Engineer Ubale Maska, said this in his keynote speech at the 2023 edition of the Hackathon competition hosted by the Commission in Abuja, on Thursday.
At this year’s edition, there were 81 entries, from which 12 were shortlisted to participate in the tech innovation contest and out of which three emerged as winners from three thematic focus.
The winners, Know-Now Limited, Solaris GreenTech Hub and Spex Care Limited went home with ₦10m each in the Blockchain Solution, Renewable Energy Solutions and Assistive Technology Solutions categories, respectively.
The remaining nine innovators from the shortlisted 12 were given N500,000 consolation prize each with Certificate of Commendation for participating in the annual contest.
Maska described the Talent Hunt through Hackathon as a platform where innovative ideas flourish and aspirations transform into reality for burgeoning startups.
He said Hackathon competition is of paramount importance as it aligned perfectly with one of the core objectives embedded within the NCC Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) for the years 2023-2025.
“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 mobilising the collective intelligence of the innovators to tackle pressing real-world issues, both in the business realm and within our social fabric,” he said.
Maska said the Commission has, over the years, actively promoted Hackathon competitions, each with a thematic focus aimed at addressing significant challenges within the industries and the society as a whole.
He said 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.
This year’s event, Maska said, focused on three pivotal thematic areas, including those that not only pertained to the country but also resonated with global concerns.
The three 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.
Consequently, the Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon is just the inception of the Commission’s unwavering commitment to nurturing innovation and nascent ideas.
He said the competition but goes beyond the grand prize of ₦10m for each of the three thematic areas, noting that the Commission took a holistic approach to support the 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.
“This phase encompasses critical aspects such as determining product-market fit, navigating intellectual property challenges, and constructing robust business plans.
“Additionally, it offers us 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.
“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.
“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,” Maska said.
The NCC commissioner disclosed that the Commission remained unwavering in its commitment to fostering innovation and driving positive change through hackathons and related initiatives.
“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,” he added.
In his welcome address at the closing ceremony, NCC Director (Research and Development Department), Alhaji Ismail Adedigba, said the audience at the event was encouraging.
“The diversity of our participants, hailing from various geopolitical zones, exemplifies your unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and expansion within the ICT industry.
“He congratulated the young innovators who were selected to participate in the Hackathon, which he described as highly competitive.
“We have every confidence that you have brought forth a plethora of creative solutions, and we eagerly anticipate the outstanding commercializable prototypes that will emerge from your endeavours.
“We find ourselves in an era marked by rapid change, driven incessantly by innovation and technology,” Alhaji Adedigba said.
He also expressed the conviction that events like the innovative Hackathon, if held regularly, will offer 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 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 telecoms sector, thanks to innovative research, is nothing short of enviable,” he added.
He restated the unwavering commitment of the NCC to building and strengthening the bridge between tech hubs and the telecoms industry.
Concluding, Adedigba said: “Success is often the outcome of a harmonious blend of talent, willpower, and hard work.
“We will persistently encourage innovative research that not only mirrors global innovations but also tailors them to local contexts.”
The Chairman, Panel of Judges for the Hackathon, Professor Mohammed Hajiya, announced the winners at the event.
He commended the Commission for promoting technology innovation, applauded the winners and other innovators who participated and encouraged them to contribute to leveraging their solutions to develop the Nigerian economy.
