NCC Opens Application for N4.5m Annual ICT Innovation Competition

Startups, Tech Hubs, Investors and the ICT ecosystem, have been invited to participate in the third edition of the Annual Innovation Competition with the theme “Utilizing Indigenous Digital Solution to Bridge the Digital Divide.”

The ICT Innovation Competition which is organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), will be a medium for showcasing talents and innovations in ICT ecosystem.

This is aimed at motivating and encouraging Nigerian youths to engage in innovative developments for the telecoms industry and improve the nation’s ability to compete in the global economy.

According to the NCC, the competition is designed to promote indigenous solutions to bridge the digital divide. The objective is to assemble Tech Hubs and Techpreneurs with solutions in respect of the theme to showcase their innovations and solutions.

On the eligibility cretaria, the Commission noted that prospective technology hubs and startups entering the competition must submit proposals that meet the following criteria for consideration:

• The project should be relevant to the ICT/Telecommunication industry.
• Interested parties should be duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria (CAC).
• Proof of concept (feasibility of idea with diagram, algorithm, etc.).

The NCC stated that the pitch idea should demonstrate clear commercial sustainability and profitability framework.

Team diversity and indigenous capacity to develop and support the solution.

The Tech hub and Startups with the best three Innovative prototypes will be awarded cash Prizes of N2 million, N1.5 million and N1 million, respectively. Consolation prizes will be given to the other competitors.