Call for Ericsson Connect NextGen Hackathon 2026 is open now!!!
The Connect NextGen Hackathon (powered by Ericsson, in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria and Tech Revolution Africa) is a national innovation initiative designed to identify, support, and scale early-stage technology startups building solutions for Africa’s most pressing challenges. Through an intensive hackathon and acceleration program, selected startups will receive mentorship, exposure, and access to strategic partners, helping them transform ideas into sustainable, impact-driven ventures.
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The Connect NextGen Hackathon 2026 is designed to spotlight and scale cutting-edge solutions across several critical domains of innovation. In the realm of Telecommunications, the focus is on improving connectivity and digital access, while the FinTech and HealthTech sectors seek digital tools to enhance financial inclusion and healthcare delivery.
To address food security and education, the program prioritizes AgriTech innovations that boost farming productivity and EdTech solutions that transform digital learning. Leveraging the power of modern technology, the hackathon encourages the use of Internet of Things (IoT) for smart data systems and AI/ML to create intelligent, automated decision-making tools. Finally, with a strong commitment to the future, the initiative supports CleanTech and Sustainability projects that focus on clean energy, environmental protection, and long-term social and economic impact.
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What sets this initiative apart is its deep integration with national development goals. Through the involvement of the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, the program ensures that the solutions developed are not just commercially viable but also socially impactful. It addresses the “digital divide” by encouraging tools that enhance connectivity and digital inclusion, ensuring that the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution reach underserved communities. The program’s emphasis on CleanTech and Sustainability further underscores a commitment to green growth, pushing for innovations that protect the environment while driving economic prosperity.
The journey begins with an intensive hackathon phase, designed to push the boundaries of creativity and technical proficiency. It creates a high-energy environment where teams must demonstrate the practical utility of their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). Following this initial sprint, the program transitions into a sophisticated 8-week acceleration journey. This phase is where raw ideas are refined into sustainable business models. It offers a unique window into the global standards of excellence maintained by Ericsson, providing participants with a rare perspective on how to build products that can scale across borders.
The Connect NextGen Hackathon is a champion of diversity and inclusive innovation. By mandating gender-inclusive team compositions, the organizers are actively working to reshape the tech landscape, ensuring that women play a central role in designing the future of African technology. This focus on inclusivity ensures a broader range of perspectives, leading to more robust and empathetic problem-solving.
Location:
OnlineBenefits
- Selected finalists will enter an 8-week intensive acceleration program focused on business modeling, product-market fit, and operational scaling.
- Gain direct access to Ericsson’s technical experts and business leaders. Participants will receive specialized guidance on leveraging 5G, Cloud, and IoT technologies to optimize their products.
- As a partner initiative with the Federal Government of Nigeria, startups gain unique visibility within national policy circles.
- Opportunities to network with Ericsson’s global partners and local industry stakeholders.\
- Opportunity to pitch live at the Hackathon Demo Day, where the top innovators pitch their solutions to a curated audience of Venture Capitalists (VCs), Angel Investors, and corporate sponsors for potential investment.
- There are no application fees or equity requirements to participate in the hackathon and acceleration phases.
Eligibilities
- Must be a Nigeria-based startup or an innovator (university student or young talent) currently operating within Nigeria.
- Startups must possess a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that is ready for pilot testing or has already seen early deployment.
- Must be able to demonstrate measurable traction, such as a growing user base, pilot results, or early-stage engagement.
- Teams must be gender-inclusive (having a mix of male and female members is a core requirement for this program).
Application Process
- Access the application form directly through the Apply Now button.
- Before starting, ensure your startup or project aligns with the core focus areas (5G, AI, IoT, FinTech, etc.) and meets the gender-inclusion criteria.
- You will need to provide details about your Minimum Viable Product (MVP), including its current traction, the problem it solves, and its potential for scale.
- Fill in the required fields, including team member details, company information (if applicable), and a clear description of your technology solution.
Application Deadline: March 10, 2026 (15 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
