NCC Opens Applications For 2023 Talent Hunt Research

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially opened applications for the third installment of its Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon, aligning with its Strategic Vision Plan for 2023-2025.

The primary objective of this initiative is to promote the development of new technologies and indigenous content through cutting-edge research, with a focus on stimulating sustainable economic growth and development within Nigeria.

As part of this endeavor, the NCC has extended an invitation to Tech Hubs and Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs) across Nigeria to participate in the Talent Hunt Research through a Hackathon organized by the Commission.

This Hackathon will concentrate on three critical 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.

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The NCC Talent Hunt Research Through Hackathon is designed to leverage emerging digital technologies to encourage the development of innovative solutions and local content in the telecommunications sector. This initiative aims to foster both economic growth and social advancement in Nigeria.

This competition serves as a platform for translating innovative ideas into hardware and software solutions that address industry and societal challenges. To encourage participation, the NCC will grant N10 million each to the best three solutions—one from each of the aforementioned thematic areas—for the development of these solutions.

To be eligible for participation, enterprises must meet specific criteria, including providing a certificate of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), having no prior support from the Commission, demonstrating clear relevance to one of the three thematic areas, presenting a well-defined problem statement, proposed solution, and a deployment roadmap, among other requirements.

Moreover, the proposal submission format should encompass ideation, Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and solution details, current sweat equity investment, Product-Market Fit status, verifiable Go-to-Market status, growth feasibility assurances, maturity model, timeliness, and disaster recovery plans if applicable.

All applications should be submitted online following the specified entry format, and there are no financial costs associated with participation. Importantly, full control and ownership of the intellectual property of the developed solutions will remain with the Commission.

Interested and qualified enterprises are required to submit the requested documents in a zip folder to https://ncc.gov.ng/talenthuntresearchhackathon2023 with the subject of the email titled “Submission from <business name>” and the zipped file named after the business.

It’s noteworthy that the NCC has advertised the Hackathon for three weeks, and the application window is set to close on Friday, 22 September 2023.