3 firms emerge winner in NCC innovation tech contest

 

ABUJA, Nigeria – Three firms have emerged winners in the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC Innovation Tech Contest. 

The winners are Know-Now Ltd, Solaris GreenTech Hub and Spex Care Ltd. They came top in their category and pocketed N10 million each. 

Know-Now Ltd won in the Blockchain Solutions Category,  Solaris GreenTech Hub emerged winner in the Renewable Energy Solutions category, while Spex Care Ltd was the best in the Assistive Technology Solutions category.

A total of 81 firms put in entries, from which 12 were shortlisted to participate in the tech innovation contest from which the  three emerged.

The remaining 9 innovators from the 12  did not go home empty handed. They pocketed N500,000 consolation prize with a certificate of commendation for their participation in the annual contest hosted  by the commission.

Prof. Mohammed Hajiya, who  announced the winners at the event and also commended the Commission for promoting technology innovation. He equally thanked the winners and other innovators who participated and encouraged them to contribute to leveraging their solutions to develop the Nigerian economy.

In his keynote address, Executive Commissioner Technical Services, Engr. Ubale Maska said the next stage involves the Adoption of Digital Innovative Services and Products stemming from the Hackathons. 

He said the NCC  takes the lead in sponsoring the deployment of the finalized products within select government agencies and institutions, adding that the NCC has successfully adopted all three winning solutions from the 2020 Hackathon. 

He said the solutions were meticulously crafted to combat pandemics and epidemics that threatened Nigeria.

“The first solution, Klasconnect, is an e-learning marvel that fortifies the interaction between instructors and students. Our Commission has spearheaded its implementation in six government schools, strategically located across the six geopolitical zones of our nation.

“The second solution, an Automated Temperature Scanner with Contact Tracing Capability, now graces the Commission’s library, serving as a beacon of advanced technology in our institution.

“Lastly, we have the SmartClinic, a versatile mobile and web solution that seamlessly connects patients through a mobile health app with a Hospital Information Management System (HIMS). 

“This innovation boasts an array of features, including COVID-19 self-assessment, hospital registration through the app, instant consultation options encompassing chat, voice, and video, and comprehensive documentation by doctors. In another remarkable achievement, our Commission has facilitated the deployment of this solution to four teaching hospitals and two state- owned hospitals across the six geopolitical zones of our nation”, he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Director Research and Development Department in the commission, Alhaji Ismail Adedigba said innovation in Communication Technologies stands as the driving force behind the very essence of the Telecommunication industry today. 

According to him, technology has emerged as the catalyst that unleashes unprecedented potential in ways one could scarcely fathom. He noted that the rate of growth experienced by the Telecom sector,  as a result of innovative research, is nothing short of enviable.

“ It is essential that the vision of the Commission for this Competition resonates profoundly with all stakeholders in general and accelerate our collective prosperity through the technical efficiency agenda of the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy”, he said.