Solaris, Knownow, and Specxs Claim Top Honors in NCC’s Tech Innovation Challenge

In a highly competitive field featuring 81 participating companies, Solaris GreenTech Hub, Knownow Africa Limited, and Specxs Care Limited emerged as the triumphant trio, equally dividing the N30 million prize money awarded by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) in its technology innovation talent hunt competition.

An independent Panel of Judges, chaired by Prof. Mohammed Ajiya, the President of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), meticulously evaluated the 2023 NCC Annual Hackathon Competition, with these three companies ultimately taking the top spots.

Solaris GreenTech Hub, represented by Chiemela Anosike, Ineke Chinecherem, and Onoh Chiemela, secured victory in the Renewable Energy Solution category. Their innovative green energy solution provides clean energy hubs in rural communities, enabling residents to charge their phones and other mobile/electronic devices.

In the Blockchain Solution category, Knownow Africa Limited, with a team composed of Abdulazeez Abiola, Dr. Mudasiru Taiwo, and Dr. Oluwaseun Ojerinde, claimed the winning title. They designed a fraud-detection and prevention solution.

Specxs Care Limited, with team members Isah Dahiru, Ameenat Bala, and Musa Gambo, was awarded first place in the Assistive Technology Solutions for the Elderly and People with Disabilities category. Their creation, the ‘Smart Bladder,’ is a wearable device designed to manage urinary incontinence in the elderly, reducing their daily expenses while maintaining personal hygiene.

Prof. Ajiya, the panel chair, praised the stringent evaluation process and adherence to the competition’s requirements that led to the selection of these exceptional winners.

In his keynote address, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, noted that the event aligns with the Commission’s new Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) for 2023-2025. The SVP focuses on fostering cutting-edge technologies through research to stimulate sustainable economic growth and overall development in Nigeria.

This year’s competition centered around three key themes: Blockchain-enabled Data Protection Solutions for Enhancing Regulatory Compliance, Assistive Technology Solutions for the Elderly and People with Disabilities, and Technology Solutions for Renewable Energy in Rural Areas. The NCC is committed to nurturing innovation and budding ideas through initiatives like Talent Hunt Research via Hackathons.

Adedigba, the Director of Research and Development, emphasized the NCC’s holistic support for innovative solutions beyond the monetary award. These initiatives serve as important tools in sustaining innovation and addressing real-world challenges, benefiting both the business sector and society at large.