From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), on Thursday, awarded N10 million each to three technology startup firms.
The three companies were the winners of the various categories of the NCC 2023 talent hunt research through hackathon, where 12 tech startups participated.
The organisations competed in three areas: Assistive Technology Solutions for the Elderly and People with Disabilities; Blockchain-enabled Data Protection Solutions for Enhancing Regulatory Compliance; and Technology Solutions for Renewable Energy in Rural Areas.
Knownow Africa Limited won in the Blockchain thematic area, Solaris Green Tech took first place in the renewable energy solutions category, and Specxs Care Limited took top place in the assistive technology category.
For their contributions, each of the other participants received a N500,000 compensation allowance.
Speaking during the competition’s grand finals in Abuja, the NCC Executive Commissioner Technical Services, Engr. Ubale Maska, said the Commission would adopt a comprehensive strategy to support the inventions beyond the financial aid by closely monitoring their progress as they mature into fully functional prototypes.
Maska who was represented by Director Research and Development Department, Mr Ismail Adedigba, added that 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.” He said.
The next step in the process, according to the director, is to adopt innovative digital services and products that are the result of hackathons.
“In this initiative, our Commission takes the lead in sponsoring the deployment of the finalized products within select government agencies and institutions.” He stated.
He announced that thus far, NCC has 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.
“In conclusion, our commitment to fostering innovation and driving positive change through hackathons and related initiatives remains unwavering. 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 explained.