DNS-Based Content Filtering and Parental Control Application
In the fast-evolving landscape of technology, harnessing the creative potential of young minds is important and crucial. The NKF NiRA-XT Hackathon aims to tap into this potential, bringing together the best and brightest minds in Nigerian Tech communities to collaborate and innovate.
By focusing on the development of applications and solutions specifically tailored for Nigeria’s internet landscape, this hackathon will contribute significantly to NKF and ultimately, NiRA’s mission of fostering the growth of the Nigerian internet ecosystem.
The following are the objectives of the proposed NKF NiRA-XT hackathon
Promote Innovation: Encourage participants to develop innovative and scalable solutions for the Nigerian TLD registry, enhancing its efficiency and the user experience.
Enhance Resilience: The availability of local and home-grown registry related software will grow the local industry, reduce dependence of foreign software and enhance resilience of the registry
Youth Empowerment: Provide a platform for young developers to showcase their skills, gain practical experience, and connect with industry experts for the ultimate benefit of the industry at large.
Community Building: Foster a collaborative environment where participants, mentors, and sponsors can network, exchange ideas, and form lasting partnerships for the growth of the ecosystem.
Support NKF and NiRA’s Mission: Align the hackathon projects with the NKF and NiRA’s goals, ensuring that the solutions developed contribute to the advancement of the Nigerian internet space and the global DNS space and the Internet in general.
SPECIFIC GOAL
To build an app that helps Nigerian families stay safe online by controlling accessible content.
PARTICIPANTS
Targeting software developers, UX/UI designers, cybersecurity experts, DNS enthusiasts, and students in Nigeria.
COMPETITION DURATION
2 weeks. This time includes idea conception, coding, and final presentations.
FORMAT
Virtual and In-Person: Teams will participate remotely and at a physical venue in Lagos, for the finals and presentation
b. Teams: Minimum of 2 members, maximum of 5 members in a team.
COORDINATOR
Revd Sunday Folayan, a past President of NIRA, with the support of the NKF Secretariat and the NIRA Team, coordinates the entire Hackathon
HACKATHON MENTORSHIP AND SUPPORT
Mentorship and Support: As part of the support to the competitors, there will be
Technical Mentors: Experts in DNS software, cybersecurity, and UX/UI who will be
available to help teams troubleshoot problems during the hackathon.
Workshops/Resources: Materials such as tutorials on DNS filtering, DoH, cybersecurity
best practices, and API documentation will be provided to the participants.
Communication Channels: There will be dedicated communication platforms like Whatsapp, Slack or Discord for participants, mentors, Judges and organizers to communicate effectively.
Code of Conduct: Participants must behave professionally and respectfully toward each other. Any form of harassment or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.
Post-Hackathon Support: After the hackathon, there will be opportunities for the winning teams to further develop their solutions. This could include connections to potential investors, accelerator programs, or internships with companies in the tech space.
PHASES AND TIMELINE
Publicity and Registration 24th October 2024 – 8th November 2024 (2 Weeks)
Online registration with participant details.
Participants may register as individuals who want to can be matched.
Team formation: Matching with participants as desired
Team Norming 8th to 14th November 2024 (1 Week):Allow time for the team members to bond and strategize on the competition
Pre-hackathon Bootcamp 15th November 2024 (1 day): VIRTUAL One-day workshop on DNS technologies, content filtering, and parental control features.
Hackathon Kickoff 15th November 2024 (Day 1): VIRTUAL Introduction to the challenge, rules, judging criteria, and expectations. Provide access to any APIs, libraries, or documentation needed to work on the project. Teams brainstorm and outline their project.
Development 15th November 2024 – 21st November 2024 (Day 2-6): VIRTUAL Teams work on their apps. Mentors will be available to guide teams and provide technical support.
Submission 22nd November 2024 (End of Day 7): VIRTUAL Final code submissions through a designated platform (GitHub, etc.). Teams will prepare demos for the final presentation.
Presentation 3rd December 2024 (Final Day): PHYSICAL Teams present their solutions to judges (10-15 minutes per team). Demos of the working applications are mandatory3
PRIZES, RECOGNITIONS AND GIFTS
Recognition and Cash gift for 1st place winner (#500,000), 2nd place winner (#300,000), and 3rd place winner (#200,000).
Special prizes, such as “Best User Experience” or “Most Innovative Solution.”
Internship offers, Tech gadgets, offers, gifts etc. As may be offered by sponsors.
About NIRA
Established in 2005, The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) is responsible for managing and regulating the registration of .ng domain names, ensuring the stability and security of Nigeria’s online presence. As a non-profit organization, NIRA promotes internet penetration, digital economy, and online innovation in Nigeria, providing a unique identity for Nigerian businesses, organizations, and individuals online. NIRA also works to foster a vibrant online community, supporting initiatives that enhance Nigeria’s digital landscape and promote national development.
About NKF
The Ndukwe Kalu Foundation (NKF), an initiative of the Nigeria Internet RegistrationAssociation (NIRA), established to honor the memory of late Ndukwe Kalu, the pioneer Nigeria President. Th e foundation aims to promote digital inclusion, education, and innovation, particularly among Nigerian youth. Through scholarships, mentorship programs, research grants, and community development initiatives, NKF supports capacity building, skills development, and entrepreneurship in the ICT sector, fostering