Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The much-anticipated NIGCOMSAT Regional Space-Tech Hackathon, themed “Building Grassroots Innovation in Satellite Technology,” is set to kick off on Monday, February 24, 2025, in Yola, the Adamawa state capital to end on Friday, February 28.
Designed to engage and empower young Nigerians, the Hackathon will bring together university students, local innovators, and young professionals from the six states of the North-East region: Borno, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and the host state, Adamawa. This was contained in a statement signed by Aisha Bantam, Head, Corporate Affairs Dept.
Participants will also undergo V-SAT training and work on identifying community problems that can be solved using space technology, such as NIGCOMSAT’s communication satellite and NARSDA’s satellite, as well as other emerging technologies.
Each participating state will host a five-day hackathon, providing ample time for participants to develop ideas, build prototypes, and receive mentorship.
According to Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT Ltd, the winning teams will transition seamlessly into the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme cohort 2025.
There, they will further refine their solutions and receive mentorship and resources to help bring their products to market.
“The Hackathon is designed to engage and empower young university students, local innovators, and young professionals from Imo (Southeast), Ondo (Southwest), Adamawa (Northeast), and Jigawa (Northwest),” said Mrs. Egerton-Idehen.
“Adamawa will host the first Hachkathon for the North East region in a series of four regional hackathons. Our goal is to ensure sectoral growth, raise awareness about the role of satellite technology in solving real-world problems, and foster economic and social impact.”
The Hackathon aims to inspire and equip young Nigerians across all regions to explore and develop solutions that address community challenges, ultimately reducing youth unemployment by engaging them in meaningful problem-solving activities.
The event will be co-hosted by the Adamawa state government in collaboration with NIGCOMSAT Ltd.
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