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The Nigerian Communication Commission in 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.
Pursuant to this, the Commission invites 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”.
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.
In addition, the Event is designed for the promotion of Digital SMEs with new business delivery breakthroughs.
Eligibility
Prospective Technology Hubs and Startups entering the competition are required to submit proposals that meet the following criteria for consideration:
• 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.
Application Guideline
All application should be ONLINE .
There is no cost to enter the competition and you will retain full control and ownership of your technology.
Each Team will Register and submit the following documentation:
A. 4 page Executive Summary of the project concept
B. 5-7 minutes video of the pilot project
C. Names, Age, contact details, passport photos and profile of all Team members.
D. Website
Interested and qualified Startups should submit the above documents in a zip folder to: https://ncc.gov.ng/expo2021. The subject of the mail should read “Submission from <business name>” and the zipped file named after the business.
Application
The Emerging Technologies Competition/ Exhibition 2021 will open on 17th – 26th November 2021, it is free to enter and you can see more on the event below.
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 26th November, 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.
Key 2021 dates
| Date | Stage |
| 19th -29th Nov 2021 | Applications open online |
| 3rd Dec 2021 | Shortlisted Tech Hubs & Startups announced |
| 6th Dec 2021 | Shortlisted Tech Hubs & Startups arrives DBI Lagos Campus for a 2 day pitch/exhibition |
| 6th – 8th Dec 2021 | 2 day pitch/exhibition and grading of Contestants by the Judges at Digital Bridge Institute in Lagos |
| 8th Dec 2021 | Award of prizes/Closing ceremony |
Important Information/Notices
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 29th November, 2021 and shortlisted applicants will be announced on 3rd December, 2021.
Shortlisted applicants are required to be available in Lagos at Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) Lagos campus on 6th December, 2021.
For more information, please email: mmgarba@ncc.gov.ng Or Contact: sel-rufai@ncc.gov.ng
An independent panel of Judges will determine a First and Runner-up entry and Judges decisions are final.
