The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched the 4th Edition of its Hackathon Live Show, titled: “Technology Without Barriers”, which seeks to foster digital inclusion for people with disabilities across the country.
The Commission announced this development in a recent public notice published on the Commission’s corporate Web site.
The telecoms sector regulator also explained that the core theme of the event, Technology Without Barriers embraces technology solutions that specifically target people living with disabilities across the West African country.
The NCC also noted that applications are open to “young Nigerians aged 18–35 years resident in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)” to develop solutions in areas that include:
- AI speech-to-text solutions for low-bandwidth environments
- Voice-enabled complaint and feedback systems
- AI-powered sign language recognition platforms
- Image-to-voice navigation tools
- Inclusive job-matching and employment platforms
- Accessible USSD solutions
- Inclusive customer care and support systems
- Other innovative accessibility-focused digital solutions
The notice further disclosed that applicants with existing prototypes or demonstrable ideas will have an added advantage.
The NCC, however, said innovative concepts at the idea stage are also welcome, and selected participants would have the opportunity to achieve the following:
- Participate in a high-impact national innovation challenge.
- Receive mentorship from industry experts, accessibility advocates, and technology professionals.
- Showcase their solutions before regulators, industry stakeholders, investors, and innovation partners.
- Contribute to policy discussions on digital accessibility and inclusion.
- Compete for recognition as one of the winning teams.
- Gain opportunities for pilot deployment and further development of selected solutions.
- Be considered for future national and international innovation platforms, including potential nomination to relevant global innovation programmes.
- Win cash prizes to support the scaling and commercialisation of their solutions.
- Access networking opportunities with technology ecosystem players, investors, development partners, and government agencies.
It further encourages persons living with disabilities to apply for the 4th Edition of the NCC Hackathon Live Show as a team or as individual applicants.
Interested applicants should submit the following:
- Personal and contact details
- Brief description of the proposed solution (maximum 500 words)
- Description of the problem being addressed
- Expected impact of the solution
- Team composition (where applicable)
- Prototype/demo link (optional)
The Commission stated that applications, with Friday, August 7, 2026 as deadline, should be submitted electronically to: indigenousconent@ncc.gov.ng, while prospective applicants should make the subject line in their e-mails as “Application for NCC Hackathon Live Show 4th Edition – Technology Without Barriers”.
