In a highly competitive field comprising 81 companies, three exceptional companies stood out, sharing the N30 million prize money evenly. Additionally, nine other shortlisted companies received consolation prizes of N500,000 each.
The 2023 NCC Annual Hackathon Competition, presided over by an independent panel of judges led by Prof. Mohammed Ajiya, President of Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), saw Solaris GreenTech Hub, Knownow Africa Limited, and Specxs Care Limited emerge as the champions.
Solaris, represented by Chiemela Anosike, Ineke Chinecherem, and Onoh Chiemela, secured victory in the Renewable Energy Solution category. Their innovative green energy solution provides clean energy hubs for rural communities, enabling residents to charge their phones and other mobile/electronic devices.
Knownow, with a team consisting of Abdulazeez Abiola, Dr. Mudasiru Taiwo, and Dr. Oluwaseun Ojerinde, claimed the top spot in the Blockchain Solution category. Their solution focuses on fraud detection and prevention.
Specxs Care Limited, led by team members Isah Dahiru, Ameenat Bala, and Musa Gambo, clinched the trophy with their wearable devices called ‘Smart Bladder.’ These devices are designed to help manage urinary incontinence in elderly individuals, reducing their daily expenses while ensuring proper personal hygiene.
Prof. Ajiya emphasized the thorough evaluation process conducted by the panel, from assessing all submissions and entries to shortlisting the 12 participants and meticulously selecting the three winners. The judging process adhered closely to the requirements set by the Commission.
In his keynote address, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, represented by Ismail Adedigba, the Director of Research and Development, highlighted the event’s alignment with the Commission’s Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) for 2023-2025. The SVP aims to promote cutting-edge technology development through rigorous research, fostering sustainable economic growth and overall development in Nigeria.
This year’s event focused on three crucial thematic areas with global relevance: 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.
Adedigba noted that the Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon is just the beginning of the Commission’s commitment to nurturing innovation and budding ideas. The Commission will actively support these promising innovations, including monitoring their evolution into fully functional prototypes.
NCC recognizes the profound potential of hackathons in showcasing innovative solutions and fresh perspectives to address real-world challenges in the business sector and society as a whole. These annual hackathons are pivotal in sustaining innovation and mobilizing the collective intelligence of innovators to tackle pressing issues.