International stakeholders and the local ICT community will converge in Jos, the Plateau State capital in November (this year), for the second edition of the much anticipated “hackathon” event – a software and apps competition designed to foster interest among young people in software development and the entire spectrum of ICT.  

Tagged Hackjos, the four day software development marathon will also feature a one day conference with the theme:  “How ready is Nigeria for the internet of things (IOT)”.  The event is conceived to be a meeting point for budding entrepreneurs and already established tech-companies as well as for policy makers and investors angling to bet on technology innovation.

About 30 teams consisting of a minimum of three developers/ ‘hackathoners’ 10 judges, 10 tech support team and over 300 live audience and spectators will be housed for four days in a marathon of wit, entrepreneurship and mental fitness to develop apps-solutions under the framework of Nigeria’s readiness for IOT and sector-by-sector challenges in Nigeria’s economic space.

The Hackjos – challenge-driven hackathon is bringing together techy-savvy citizens, scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, students, programmers and developers across Nigeria under one roof for 48 hours to get involved and showcase their ingenuity and talents in the pursuit of creating compelling solutions that cut across mobile, desktop, web and hardware (embedded systems) that will help solve problems relevant to the various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“People may wonder why Jos. We are bringing people to experience the changing dynamics in Jos which recent history has been painfully gory. We want them to come see the quiet transition as Jos acquires a new reputation as the go-to-place for innovation to harness the ability of young people for innovation in ICT,” said Daser David, CEO nHub Nigeria organizer of Hackjos.

“We welcome participants and international delegates to Hackjos 2016 into Jos – home of peace and tourism. Despite recent sad challenges, Jos beckons with opportunities for various economic activities. We are glad to share with the world our improving statistics on conflict management and restoring of order for business,” said boss of the Plateau State ICT Agency, Mrs. Rahab Shik on behalf of the Plateau State Government.  

Hackjos had its first run in 2015; owned and promoted by Nignux Technologies Ltd owners of nHub, premier innovation centre in the middle-belt of the country. The 2016 edition is running in collaboration with Qitech Technologies in partnership with Knowhow Media International, publishers of IT Edge News.Com.

“Dwindling oil revenue and a large population of young people would only mean that Africa’s largest economy will have to rework its fate on its youth and the expansive ICT sector. We are happy to collaborate on an event themed on innovation, youth and the future of Nigeria,” said Dr Sola Afolabi, chairman of Qitech Technology Limited.

“Hackjos was created in 2015. Our belief is that when you get the right people to connect, good things happen. We also believe that competition fuels innovation. Through a number of technology and innovation challenges, new breed of entrepreneurs can evolve and these challenges has mainly been centered on finding solutions to real problems in Nigeria and Africa. The success the event recorded in 2015 spurred the decision to make it a yearly event. We are glad to collaborate with Qitech and Knowhow Media  International as co-organisers to expand the value proposition of this event targeting young people and established entrepreneurs and government,” added Daser in Jos to flag off the official commencement of activities for the Hackjos 2016.

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Jos to host high profile software development competition – Hackathon 2016