NCC’s Innovative efforts continues to empower youths as Hackathon talents get 30 Million Naira
Oru Leonard
In keeping faith with talent hunt on ICT, The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), has awarded Ten Million Naira each to three winners of the Hackathon talents contest.
This year’s event was focused on three critical thematic areas: 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.
In his keynote address, Engr. Ubale Maska, the Executive Commissioner of Technical Services noted that the NCC is committed to fostering innovation and driving positive change. This event, held at the NCC Head Office in Abuja, marked a significant step in realizing the Commission’s core objectives outlined in its Strategic Vision Plan for 2023-2025. He further said that hackathons is showcasing fresh perspectives on existing challenges and harnessing the collective intelligence of innovators. He highlighted the Commission’s history of promoting hackathon competitions with thematic focuses, which had previously led to innovative solutions for pressing issues such as kidnapping and banditry, E-waste management, and strategies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.L
Engr. Maska disclosed that the competition was just the beginning of the Commission’s commitment to nurturing innovation and nascent ideas, role of hackathons in showcasing fresh perspectives on existing challenges and harnessing the collective intelligence of innovators. He highlighted the Commission’s history of promoting hackathon competitions with thematic focuses, which had previously led to innovative solutions for pressing issues such as kidnapping and banditry, E-waste management, and strategies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s event focused on three critical thematic areas: 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. Engr. Maska proudly announced that the competition was just the beginning of the Commission’s commitment to nurturing innovation and nascent ideas.
The winners of this year’s hackathon were awarded Ten Million Naira each for the development of their solutions, but the Commission’s support goes beyond cash prizes. It includes an Incubation and Mentorship Program, designed to equip startups, innovators, and tech entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to refine their ideas, navigate intellectual property challenges, and construct robust business plans. This holistic approach allows the Commission to closely monitor the progress of these innovative solutions as they evolve into full-fledged prototypes.
Furthermore, the Commission is taking the lead in sponsoring the deployment of the finalized products within select government agencies and institutions, demonstrating a commitment to real-world impact. Engr. Maska said that previous winning solutions from the 2020 Hackathon, such as Klasconnect, an e-learning marvel, and an Automated Temperature Scanner with Contact Tracing Capability, have been successfully adopted and deployed in government schools and the Commission’s library, respectively.
The SmartClinic, a versatile mobile and web solution connecting patients with healthcare services, was also deployed in teaching hospitals and state-owned hospitals across the nation, demonstrating the transformative power of innovation in addressing critical challenges.
Engr. Ubale Maska concluded his speech by expressing his anticipation for the remarkable innovations that would emerge from this year’s Hackathon, emphasizing the NCC’s commitment to exploring uncharted territories, seeking groundbreaking solutions, and contributing to the progress and prosperity of Nigeria. His words echoed a vision of innovation and transformation that would shape the nation’s future for the better, underscoring the NCC’s pivotal role in driving technological progress and societal development.
