SORA Wins N3m NCC Hackathon Prize With Disability-Focused Job Platform

SORA, an inclusive job-matching and skills development platform for persons with disabilities, has won the fourth edition of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Hackathon Live Show 2026.

The team received the N3 million grand prize after emerging as the overall winner of the two-day competition focused on developing technology solutions for persons with disabilities and underserved communities.

Clear Signal came second and received N2 million, while IKOR placed third with a N1 million prize.

The hackathon, themed “Technology Without Barriers,” featured 20 teams comprising software developers, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, innovators, and persons with disabilities.

SORA’s platform is designed to connect verified persons with disabilities in Nigeria with employment opportunities and skills development resources.

Clear Signal developed a solution that enables blind, visually impaired, deaf, and hard-of-hearing electricity consumers to receive power outage alerts through voice calls, text messages, and visual notifications.

IKOR, the third-place winner, developed an AI-powered voice dictation and writing tool designed to reduce barriers associated with physical typing, expensive hardware, and poor internet connectivity.

The NCC said the competition is part of its efforts to promote indigenous innovation and advance digital inclusion in Nigeria.

Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, said barriers such as the cost of devices, inadequate digital skills, limited access to assistive technologies, and poor accessibility features continue to restrict digital participation.

He urged investors, telecommunications operators, and other stakeholders to support the commercialisation of promising solutions emerging from the hackathon.

The Commission said participating teams developed solutions across healthcare, education, emergency communications, accessible USSD services, AI-powered sign language translation, voice-enabled services, and assistive technologies.