The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has invited tech hubs, innovation driven enterprises in the country to enter eligible start-ups and their solutions in the third edition of the NCC IoT Code camp and Hackathon with focus on two categories.
The categories, according to the invitation published on NCC’s official website are: Development of IoT (Internet of Things) solutions for kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria and assistive robotics solutions for effective e-waste management.
NCC stated that the development was part of its strategic vision plan 2021- 2025 which borders on the need to encourage the development of new technologies and local content through cutting edge research to stimulate sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria.
“The NCC IoT Code camp and Hackathon will promote tech-driven enterprises and the adoption of IoT based solutions by the translation of novel ideation to the actual development of hardware /software solutions as useable products as an outcome of the event.
“An independent panel of judges will determine a First and Runner-up entry for each category and judges decisions are final.
“The First and Runner-up adjudged for each category will receive cash prizes of ₦5 million and ₦3 million respectively,” the invitation reads in part.
The criteria for participation in the competition, according to NCC, include the following:
“The Enterprise MUST provide certificate of registration with Corporate Affairs Commission.
“The project should have clear relevance to one of the two categories above.
“Clear problem statement, proposed solution and roadmap to deployment.
“Proof of concept (which may also include technical feasibility of idea with diagram, algorithm, existing models or case studies, etc.).
“Novelty of solution (including a declarative statement on ownership of intellectual property)
“Solution including prototype development can be concluded within 3 months of receipt of the grant (including statement of application of funds).”
On the guideline, NCC states in the notice:
“All applications should be ONLINE.
“There is no cost to enter the competition and full control and ownership of intellectual property of the entries remain with the participant.
“All entries must be made by a Tech Hub /Innovation Driven Enterprise who will register and submit on behalf of the entry the following documentation:
“Evidence of relationship with the startup/solution being entered
“4 page Executive Summary of the project concept
“Names, Age, contact details, passport photos and profile of all Team members.
“Website (if available)
“5-7 minutes video of the pilot project
“Interested and qualified enterprises should go to http://ncc.gov.ng/iothackathon2021 and submit the above documents per the instructions provided.”
The timetable as given by NCC is as stated below:
“The Hackathon will open from 5th July to 26th July 2021 with other key dates as follows:
Date Stage
05th Sep – 26th Sep Applications open online
29th Sep – 06th Oct Evaluation of applications
09th Oct – 10th Oct Contact shortlisted Startups & Tech Hubs
16th Oct – 17th Oct 2 Day Idea Pitch Deck and grading of Competitors by the Judges
19th Oct Award of prizes/Closing ceremony
