A groundbreaking opportunity has opened for tech-savvy university and tertiary institution students across Nigeria as Heirs Insurance Group launches its first-ever national hackathon to stimulate innovation in the insurance sector. According to the Heir Insurance Group, this ambitious programme comes with a generous N9 million prize fund and is poised to attract bright young minds ready to tackle real insurance challenges through digital solutions and artificial intelligence.
The initiative reflects a new chapter for the insurance industry in Nigeria, where technology meets practical problem-solving and where young innovators may influence how insurance products and services evolve in a digital age. Heirs Insurance Group, described as one of the fastest-growing insurance providers in the country, is opening this creative platform to university undergraduates and students in polytechnics and other tertiary schools nationwide.
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A Platform for Innovation and Real Impact
The Heirs Insurance Hackathon invites students to conceive and build solutions that address pressing issues across the insurance value chain. Participants will work on problems ranging from improving customer experience and streamlining claims processing to enhancing underwriting, distribution systems, data analytics, and operational efficiency using cutting-edge technology like machine learning and artificial intelligence. Solutions will be judged on their creativity, scalability, and real-world applicability.
Unlike theoretical competitions, this hackathon is rooted in real business problems that the industry faces. The winning teams will be selected based on how well their ideas can address genuine challenges insurers grapple with daily. This hands-on approach not only helps students test their skills but also gives them a chance to influence industry practices and potentially kickstart their careers in technology and finance.
The programme is structured so students can form teams and participate in a collaborative environment that pushes the boundaries of traditional learning. Submissions are expected to demonstrate not just coding and design talent, but also a deep understanding of customer needs within the Nigerian insurance landscape.
Registration and Prizes
The window for registration opened alongside the announcement and will remain open until February 16, 2026. Participants are encouraged to register online via the Heirs Insurance Group website and submit their innovative ideas ahead of the grand finale in April.
At the culminating event, the top three teams will share a total prize pool of N9 million, providing not only recognition but also financial support that can help further develop and scale their solutions. This funding could prove crucial for budding entrepreneurs and young tech pioneers who are eager to bring their concepts to life beyond the hackathon.
Aside from the financial rewards, teams will also gain valuable exposure to industry leaders, potential mentors, and professionals with deep experience in technology and insurance. This access can be transformative for students seeking direction and support as they transition from academic concepts to professional careers.
Partnership with Redtech and Industry Mentorship
To ensure the hackathon maintains high standards of technical excellence, Heirs Insurance Group has partnered with Redtech, the digital payment solutions arm of Heirs Holdings. Redtech’s expertise will play a central role in supporting participants, reviewing submissions, and guiding teams through the development process.
This collaboration brings together expertise in both technology and finance, ensuring that students’ proposals are evaluated not only for creativity but also for technical feasibility and real business impact. Redtech’s involvement underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving innovation that can resonate with customers and optimise business operations.
Mentors drawn from Heirs Insurance Group, Redtech, and other partner organisations will be available to share insights with participants, offering advice on areas such as user experience design, artificial intelligence applications, and strategies to scale solutions for wider adoption.
Shaping the Future of Insurance in Nigeria
Leadership at Heirs Insurance Group has emphasised that this hackathon aligns with the company’s broader vision of empowerment and technological progress. Peace O. Philips, Chief Digital Officer at the company, spoke passionately about the role of young Nigerians in shaping Africa’s economic destiny. She pointed out that giving students the platform to apply their ideas and creativity to economic challenges presents a meaningful way to nurture the next generation of innovators.
According to the company, this hackathon also reflects its commitment to youth empowerment, digital skills development, and inclusive innovation. These pillars are central to the Group’s strategy to democratise access to insurance services and make them more relevant and effective for everyday Nigerians.
Experts believe programmes like this could play a significant role in transforming perceptions of insurance among young people, who are often underserved by traditional financial institutions. By inviting students to engage directly with insurance challenges, the hackathon opens pathways for deeper understanding and participation in an industry that touches many aspects of personal and business life.
A Broader Vision for Youth and Technology
The Heirs Insurance Hackathon sits within a broader context of initiatives that focus on innovation, learning, and inclusion. The Group’s recent activities have consistently demonstrated a dedication to supporting educational and community programmes. Beyond hackathons and digital calls to action, Heirs Insurance Group has also been involved in scholarship competitions and forums that encourage critical thinking and financial literacy among young Nigerians.
As Nigeria continues its digital transformation journey, efforts that bring technology education and practical experiences to students are becoming more important than ever. Whether through artificial intelligence challenges or financial literacy programmes, these opportunities can help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the needs of the modern economy.
For many students, participation in the hackathon will be more than a chance to earn cash prizes. It represents a stepping stone into a professional world where innovation and digital fluency are increasingly vital. Winning teams will not only take home significant awards but also gain the confidence and visibility that could shape their career paths for years to come.
Conclusion
The launch of the Heirs Insurance Hackathon with a N9 million innovation prize is a milestone for Nigerian tertiary students and the insurance industry alike. By bringing young minds into conversations about technology, customer experience, and business-relevant problem solving, Heirs Insurance Group is creating a powerful platform that bridges academic ability and real-world impact. The programme promises to be a showcase of ingenuity and ambition, and it highlights the growing importance of digital innovation in shaping the future of financial services across Africa.
Applications close on February 16, 2026, and students eager to participate are urged to register soon. The grand finale in April will reveal the winners who will take home life-changing support and a chance to make a real impact in the tech and insurance landscape.
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