NCC HACKATHON 2026: SORA WINS N3M GRAND PRIZE...Young Innovators Showcase Solutions for Persons with Disabilities and Underserved Communities

Team SORA has emerged overall winner of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Hackathon 2026, clinching the N3 million grand prize for its inclusive job-matching platform for persons with disabilities.

A statement from NCC e-signed by Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Director, Public Affairs Department Nigerian Communications Commission, said Team Clear Signal finished second with N2 million for its accessible power outage alert system, while IKOR took third place and N1 million for its AI-powered voice dictation tool.

All participating teams received consolation prizes and certificates of participation.

The two-day event, themed “Technology Without Barriers,” brought together 20 teams of innovators, developers, entrepreneurs, students, researchers, and persons with disabilities to develop technology-driven solutions for digital inclusion.

Team SORA, worked on an inclusive job-matching and adaptive skills platform for verified persons with disabilities in Nigeria. It connects users to employment opportunities and skills development resources.

The second team, Clear Signal: Delivers accessible power outage alerts to blind, visually impaired, deaf, and hard-of-hearing electricity consumers via voice calls, SMS, and visual notifications.
The third team IKOR – worked on an AI-powered voice dictation and writing tool designed to overcome barriers of expensive hardware, poor internet connectivity, and physical typing.

Other solutions presented addressed challenges in healthcare, education, emergency communications, accessible USSD services, AI-powered sign language translation, and assistive technologies for visually impaired users.

Commenting on the event, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, said the Commission remains committed to leveraging innovation to address digital exclusion.

Represented by Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Dr. Maida stated:
“Nigeria’s next major oil field is not buried under our soil or offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. It is here, in the ideas, ingenuity, brilliance and determination of the young Nigerians gathered in this room today.”

He noted that barriers such as high device costs, inadequate digital skills, and poor accessibility features continue to limit participation.
“Technology should not create new barriers; at its best, technology should remove them,” he said.

Dr. Maida added that accessible technology unlocks untapped markets and brings millions of Nigerians into the formal economy as creators and entrepreneurs. He urged investors, telcos, and stakeholders to support the commercialization of innovations from the programme.

Speaking earlier, Makama, represented by Usman Malah, Director, Zonal Operations, said the Hackathon reflects NCC’s commitment to building an inclusive digital society.
“The true measure of technological advancement lies not only in the sophistication of our innovations, but in the extent to which they improve lives,” she said.

Victor Akpan, Chief Executive Officer, Ikor; Abdurrahman Gambo, Chief Executive Officer, Gyronics; Stephanie Nwangwu, Chief Executive Officer, Clearssignal; Barr. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Ms. Helen Obi, Director, Digital Economy, NCC; Sani Mahmud Madobi, Chief Executive Officer, Meertech Ltd.; and Abdulhaqq Somoye, Chief Executive Officer, Sora, at the NCC 4th Edition Hackathon Live Show, on the 26 to 27th August 2026, at NCC Annex Office Mbora Abuja

Helen Obi, Director, Digital Economy Department, said the Hackathon promotes indigenous innovation and universal access. She also unveiled the Commission’s indigenous NCC Hackathon Judge Software developed to automate and standardize the judging process.

Stakeholders also commended NCC in goodwill messages.

For instance, Chinyelu Chikwendu, Senior Manager, Strategy and Innovation, MTN Nigeria, described NCC as “a regulator with a difference” and reaffirmed MTN’s support for innovation that improves lives.

Eneh Omawumi, Head, Gender Desk Unit, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, commended the fairness of the competition and urged participants to scale their ideas.

Amadi Kenneth of the CBN’s Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion Department said several solutions have strong potential to deepen financial inclusion for women, youths, and persons with disabilities. He expressed CBN’s willingness to collaborate with NCC and the innovators.

Dr. Maida concluded by commending NCC’s technical partners, mentors, and judges, and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to strengthening indigenous content and ensuring all Nigerians benefit from the digital economy.