By Hosea Parah, Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced an extension of the deadline for the submission of applications and entries into the 2023 Talent Hunt through Hackathon. The new deadline is set for Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Originally scheduled to close on September 22, 2023, the NCC has decided to extend the application window to allow more startups and technology entrepreneurs to participate in the competition. This move aims to provide ample time for prospective and viable startups to refine their solutions and submit them in the required format.
The Talent Hunt is part of the NCC’s Strategic Vision Plan 2023-2025, which aims to encourage the development of new technologies and indigenous content through cutting-edge research. By stimulating sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria, the NCC aims to foster innovation and support the local technology ecosystem.
According to a statement Signed, Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs
on Friday stated that the competition focuses on three 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. Participants are encouraged to develop hardware or software solutions that address challenges in these areas.
The best three solutions, one from each thematic area, will receive grants of N10 million each for further development. To be eligible for the competition, enterprises must meet certain criteria, including providing a certificate of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and having clear relevance to one of the three thematic areas.
Other requirements include a clear problem statement, proposed solution, and roadmap to deployment, as well as proof of concept and a declaration of ownership of intellectual property. The solution must be novel, and the prototype development should be completed within six months of receiving the grant. A detailed commercialization plan is also necessary.
Applications should be submitted online following the specified entry format, and there is no financial cost to participate in the competition. Participants retain full control and ownership of the intellectual property of their developed solutions.
Interested enterprises should submit the requested documents in a zip folder to the provided website address. The submission should include an executive summary of the project concept, a video of the pilot project, team member details, and contact information.
The NCC encourages the startup ecosystem and all interested parties to take note of the extended deadline and submit their applications before September 30, 2023.