The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has invited Tech Hubs, Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDE) in Nigeria to enter eligible start-ups and their solutions in the Internet of Things (IoT) Code camp and Hackathon.
The commission said the IoT Code camp and Hackathon will focus on two categories; Development of IoT (Internet of Things) solutions for kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria, and Assistive robotics solutions for effective e-waste management.
NCC, Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde in a statement, said its part of the commission strategic vision plan 2021-2025 captures 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.
Dr. Adinde noted that an independent panel of judges will determine a First and Runner-up entry for each category and judges decisions are final.
According to him the First and Runner-up adjudged for each category will receive cash prizes of ₦5million and ₦3million respectively.
He said, “the criteria for participation in the competition 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 method of application, NCC said, all applications should be ONLINE, adding that 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) and 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.”
However, the commission noted that applying to the Hackathon counts as a public disclosure of your idea and it is your responsibility to protect it adequately before making an application.
“Before applying, please ensure you are satisfied with the level of protection for any idea or material included in the application, and seek your own legal advice if necessary.
“Failure to do so may affect your ability to protect it in the future.
“Applicants are not required to include more detail about their ideas than they feel comfortable with or than is indicated in the online application form. However, please be aware that providing insufficient detail may affect the ability of the judges to make a fair assessment of your application.”
