Learn how to apply for the NCC Talent Hunt Research Through Hackathon and stand a chance to win a N10 million grant.
The NCC is driving tech innovation in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
They’ve launched the NCC Talent Hunt Research Through Hackathon, offering Tech Hubs and IDEs a shot at grants for their projects.
Get your innovative solution in the spotlight with our participation guide.
Setting the Stage: The Strategic Vision Plan 2023-2025
NCC’s 2023-2025 Strategic Vision Plan prioritizes tech innovation and local content for sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
Join the competition to help realize this vision.
Thematic Focus Areas
The hackathon focuses on three key themes tackling industrial and societal challenges.
These areas are:
Blockchain-enabled Data Protection Solutions: Enhancing regulatory compliance through secure and transparent technologies.
Assistive Technology Solutions for the Elderly and People with Disabilities:
Developing tools and technologies that facilitate better living conditions for these demographics.
Themes include:
Renewable Energy in Rural Areas: Innovations for sustainable energy in rural regions.
These areas present prime opportunities for startups to pioneer transformative solutions in both industry and society.
NCC Talent Hunt Grant Allocation
The top three solutions, one from each thematic area, will be awarded a grant of N10 million each.
The funding aims to support the winners in advancing their solutions from concept to reality.
Here are the eligibility criteria for a fair and fruitful competition.
These include:
- Proof of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
- No previous support received from the Commission.
- Clear alignment of the project with one of the specified thematic areas.
- Well-defined problem statement, proposed solution, and roadmap to deployment.
- Provision of a proof of concept.
- Assurance of the novelty of the solution and a statement declaring ownership of intellectual property.
- Commitment to complete prototype development within 6 months of receiving the grant.
- For your project submission, follow a specific entry format. It enhances the evaluation of your solution’s potential and feasibility.
The necessary components of the project submission are as follows:
- Ideation: Outline of the core idea.
- Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Detailed explanation of the product’s functionality and how it works.
- Current Sweat Equity Investment: Overview of existing investments and resources.
- Product-Market Fit Status: Analysis of the market demand and suitability for the product.
- Verifiable Go-to-Market Status: A solid plan indicating readiness for market launch.
- Include proof of your project’s growth potential and likelihood of success.
- Maturity Model and Timeliness: Outline of the project’s development stages and projected timeline.
- Exist Time – Disaster Recovery: Contingency plans, if applicable.
Application Guidelines
All interested participants must adhere to the following guidelines when submitting their applications:
- Online submission following the specified entry format.
- No entry fee required.
- Intellectual property of developed solutions remains with the commission.
- Submissions must be made by a Tech Hub or IDE who will register and submit on behalf of the startup, including necessary documentation such as evidence of relationship with the startup, executive summary, video of the pilot project, team details, and contact information.
Timetable and Key Dates
The hackathon is scheduled to run from September 1 to September 22, 2023, with other essential dates highlighted as follows:
- September 22, 2023: Submission Deadline.
- September 25 – October 3, 2023: Online evaluation of applications by the panel of judges.
- October 4, 2023: Submission of online evaluation report to the NCC.
- October 5 – 6, 2023: Preparation and dispatch of invitation letters to shortlisted startups and Tech Hubs.
- October 23 – 26, 2023: Main event in Abuja including pitch deck presentation and award ceremony.
How to Apply
Prospective participants should visit the application portal at NCC Talent Hunt Research Hackathon 2023 to submit their entries and potentially embark on a journey of innovation and growth.
Best of luck to all participants! It’s not just about winning a grant; it’s an opportunity to make a significant contribution to Nigeria’s tech advancement and economic growth.
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