The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) is inviting Startups and Tech Hubs, as well as Investors and the ICT ecosystem to participate in the second edition of the NCC Emerging Technologies Annual Innovation Competition/Exhibition with the theme “Promoting Sustainable Digital Service Development in Nigeria”.
In a statement published by the Commission over the weekend, the NCC noted that the ICT Innovation Competition/Exhibition 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.
It further stated that the call is part of the Commission’s drive towards keeping with its strategic intent as encapsulated in the Strategic Management Plan (2020-2024) and Strategic Vision Implementation Plan (2021 -2025) is committed to promoting innovation for the sustainability and continuous development of the Nigerian Communications Industry.
The free-entry event, which is also designed for the promotion of Digital SMEs with new business delivery breakthroughs, will open on November 17, 2021, and run through November 26.
Twenty (20) Tech hubs/Startups will be shortlisted to showcase their technology to a panel of judges at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) Lagos Campus. Those shortlisted will be announced on November 26, 2021.
The Tech hub/Startups with the best three Innovative prototypes will be awarded cash Prizes of N2.5million, N1.5million and N1 million respectively.
According to the statement by NCC, prospective Technology Hubs and Startups entering the competition are required to submit proposals that meet the following criteria for consideration online:
- The project should have a clear relevance to ICT/Telecommunication industry.
- Interested participants should be duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
- Proof of concept (feasibility of idea with diagram, algorithm, etc.).
- Novelty of the project.
- The pitch idea should demonstrate clear commercial sustainability and profitability framework.
- Team diversity and indigenous capacity to develop and support the solution.
“There is no cost to enter the competition and you will retain full control and ownership of your technology,” it assured
Each participating team will register and submit in a zip folder to: https://ncc.gov.ng/expo2021, the following documentation:
- 4 page Executive Summary of the project concept
- 5-7 minutes video of the pilot project
- Names, Age, contact details, passport photos and profile of all Team members.
- Website
The subject of the mail should read “Submission from <business name>” and the zipped file named after the business.
The NCC however warned that: “Applying to the Emerging Technologies Competition 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 provide more details about their ideas than that required in the online application form or as much as they are comfortable disclosing. However, providing insufficient detail may affect the ability of the judges to make a fair assessment of your application.”
Deadline for submission of entries is November 29, 2021 and shortlisted applicants will be announced on December 3, 2021.
Shortlisted applicants are required to be available in Lagos at Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) Lagos campus on December 6, 2021. Further information on the competition is published on the Commission’s website.
