Digital Economy: NCC requests participation in IoT Code Camp, Hackathon 2021

*The Nigerian Communication Commission says participation in the 3rd IoT Code Camp and Hackathon will promote tech-driven enterprises and adoption of (Internet of Things) IoT-based solutions via the translation of novel ideation into actual development of hardware/software solutions as useable products in the country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As part of the telecoms regulator’s strategic vision plan 2021- 2025, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) captures the need to encourage the development of new technologies and local content through cutting-edge research to stimulate sustainable economic growth and development of the economy.

Pursuant to the above, the Commission in an announcement Monday, September 6, 2021, stated it invites tech hubs, Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDE) in the country to enter eligible start-ups and their solutions in the third edition of the NCC IoT Code Camp and Hackathon with focus on two categories, which are: Development of IoT (Internet of Things) solutions for kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria; and Assistive robotics solutions for effective e-waste management.

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, who signed the notice noted the NCC IoT Code camp and Hackathon would 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.

The Commission stated that an independent panel of judges will determine a First and Runner-up entry for each category and judges decisions are final.

The First and Runner-up adjudged for each category will receive cash prizes of ₦5million and ₦3million respectively, the notice said.

As regards eligibility for the programme, the regulator stated 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).

NCC stated the guidelines for participation are as follows:

• All applications should be ONLINE.
• 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.
• Web site (if available)
• 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.

Timetable

According to the Commission, the Hackathon will open from July 5 to July 26, 2021, with other key dates as hereunder:

Date	Stage
05th Sep – 26th Sep	Applications open online
29th Sep – 06th Oct	Evaluation of applications
09th Oct – 10th Oct	Contact shortlisted Startups & Tech Hubs
16th Oct – 17th Oct	2 Day Idea Pitch Deck and grading of Competitors by the Judges
19th October, 2021	Award of prizes/Closing ceremony

Disclaimer/Important Notice

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.

The NCC, however, cautions potential participants to be aware that providing insufficient details may affect the ability of the judges to make a fair assessment of their applications.

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