The NCS Innovation Development Fund (NIDF) (Transforming ideas into realities)
Background:
Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella body for all Information Technology practitioners and interest groups, is indeed concerned with the current world ratings of Nigeria Information Technology (IT). While appreciating the efforts of government and other stakeholders of the progress Nigeria has made in promoting and supporting IT development, NCS has noted that a lot still need to be done.
NCS has been championing IT development for over forty years now, even before the existence of other related bodies/associations. Currently with over twenty thousand highly-skillful and committed members in both private and public sectors, NCS remains at the center console of IT development in Nigeria.
The position of Nigeria in various world rankings in ICT development, digital readiness and broadband penetration is still not acceptable to Nigeria Computer Society. In other specific emerging technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, Internet of things implementation and general digital smartness, it is obvious we still need to make significant progress. Certainly, we need to improve IT development capacities and capabilities in other to scale up with technological giants countries like Singapore, USA, China, Japan, UK South Korea and so on.
It is obvious that the key ingredients to leapfrogging IT development in this country are research and innovations. NCS introduced Innovation Development Fund (NIDF) to provide necessary supports for developmental research and innovations in Information Technology. Specific thematic areas to consider are:
- Connectivity (5G Network)
- System Automation and Design
- Digital Economy
- Robotics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Internet of Things and Smart City
- Virtual Reality and Environment
- e-Health, e-Agriculture and e-Learning
- Software defined everything
- And others
The Innovation Fund has further been extended to provide solutions, tools and technology to fight the global Covid-19 pandemic. Recently, the NCS constituted a committee to assess the impact of the adoption of 5G technology on the nation. The committee recommended the need for rigorous and extensive research in this area.
The NCS Innovation Development Fund (NIDF) is to support individuals in private or public organization willing to conduct developmental research and innovations in Information Technology. NIDF was instituted in other to advance technological development in our nation. Startups and young innovators are to benefit significantly from this fund.
Components of the fund: The fund can be used for
- Purchase of hardware
- Purchase of software
- Attendance at exhibitions, conferences and other presentations
- Cost of scholarly publications
- Cost of patenting
Guidelines and Application Procedure:
Criteria
- Must be a Financial Member of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS)
- Must have the ability to conduct research or develop innovative solutions
Application process
Application is opened every year, in a period specified by Research and Innovation Committee. Qualified candidates can fill the application online here.
Screening Procedure:
The screening of applicants will be done by a sub-committee of Innovation Development Committee. The list will then be forwarded through Research and Innovation committee to the National Executive Council (NEC) of NCS for consideration and approval. The decision of NEC is the final.
Sponsorship
Consequently, NCS thereby seeks for the collaboration and supports of both private and public organizations and individuals. Sponsorship forms are available at http://www.ncs.org.ng/nidf-sponsorship-form/. Further information can be found at http://www.ncs.org.ng/innovation-development-fund/
We indeed need concerted effort of all for effective realization of the digital transformation agenda of the government and that of the Society.
Sponsorship benefits:
The benefits for sponsors could be one or more of the following:-
- Rebranding the Fund to reflect sponsor’s name
- Advertised as a Major Sponsor in our event Communication materials
- Logo in Newspaper adverts and other communication media
- 1 Roll-up banners displayed at strategic positions at the Venue of our Programs
- Free distribution of company souvenirs/fliers at events Venue
- One Speaker Opportunity during research and development workshop/seminar
- Public acknowledgement of Sponsor
- Free Single Exhibition Space at research workshop venue
- Free Advertisement in the Event Brochure
- 1 complementary delegates to attend the research workshop/seminar
- Corporate Identity and link displayed on NCS website for a period of one year