Deadline: 16-Feb-2026
The Heirs Insurance Hackathon invites Nigerian undergraduates to develop AI-driven solutions that transform the insurance industry. With cash prizes of up to ₦5,000,000, the hackathon focuses on solving real-world insurance challenges such as customer experience, underwriting, claims, and distribution. Applications close on February 16, 2026.
The Heirs Insurance Group has launched the Heirs Insurance Hackathon to harness technology and redefine Africa’s insurance landscape.
This national innovation challenge brings together forward-thinking undergraduate students across Nigeria to design practical, AI-powered solutions that address real insurance industry pain points.
About the Heirs Insurance Hackathon
The Heirs Insurance Hackathon is a collaborative innovation initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence in the Nigerian insurance sector.
By convening student innovators, industry experts, and technology mentors, the hackathon seeks to unlock new approaches to making insurance simpler, faster, and more accessible.
The program emphasizes real-world impact, creativity, and scalable solutions that can help democratize insurance across Nigeria and Africa.
Key Focus Areas
Participants are encouraged to develop AI-driven solutions that address challenges across the insurance value chain, including:
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Customer experience and digital engagement
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Insurance underwriting and risk assessment
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Claims processing and fraud detection
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Distribution and access to insurance products
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Automation and efficiency in insurance operations
Solutions should demonstrate how artificial intelligence can simplify processes, reduce friction, and improve trust in insurance services.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible Participants
The hackathon is open to:
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Undergraduate students currently enrolled in Nigerian higher education institutions
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Students from any discipline, provided they have an interest in technology, innovation, or insurance
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Teams of three students from the same institution
Each team must nominate a team lead.
Recommended Team Composition
While not mandatory, teams are encouraged to include members with complementary skills, such as:
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A developer or technical lead
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A designer or UX specialist
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A project manager or business strategist
This balance helps teams design well-rounded, feasible solutions.
Prizes and Benefits
The Heirs Insurance Hackathon offers both financial rewards and professional development opportunities.
Cash Prizes
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First prize: ₦5,000,000
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Second prize: ₦3,000,000
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Third prize: ₦1,000,000
Additional Benefits
Participants will also gain:
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Hands-on experience solving real insurance challenges using AI
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Opportunities to collaborate with peers, mentors, and industry experts
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Exposure to professionals in the insurance and technology sectors
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Certificates of participation
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Hackathon swag and recognition
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A platform to showcase skills and ideas to decision-makers
Why This Hackathon Matters
Insurance remains underutilized across much of Africa due to complexity, lack of trust, and limited access.
This hackathon directly addresses these challenges by empowering young innovators to design technology-driven solutions that make insurance more inclusive, transparent, and efficient.
The initiative helps:
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Promote AI adoption in Africa’s insurance ecosystem
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Build a pipeline of tech talent for the insurance industry
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Encourage student-led innovation with real-world relevance
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Support the long-term vision of accessible and affordable insurance
How the Hackathon Works
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Students form a team of three members from the same institution.
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Teams select a team lead and assign roles if desired.
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Teams download the official proposal template.
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Participants ideate and design an AI-driven solution aligned with one or more focus areas.
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Teams submit their completed proposal as a PDF through the official platform.
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Submissions are reviewed by Heirs Insurance experts and evaluators.
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Shortlisted teams proceed to the next stages of the hackathon.
Clear problem definition, strong AI application, and practical implementation plans are essential.
How to Apply
To apply for the Heirs Insurance Hackathon, teams must:
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Register through the official hackathon platform
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Download and complete the official proposal template
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Ensure the proposal clearly explains the problem, AI solution, and expected impact
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Submit the proposal as a PDF before the deadline
Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
Application Deadline
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Application deadline: February 16, 2026
Applicants are advised to submit early to allow time for review and revisions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting individual applications instead of team submissions
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Forming teams with members from different institutions
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Proposing ideas without a clear AI component
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Failing to align solutions with insurance-specific challenges
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Submitting proposals that lack feasibility or user impact
Strong submissions clearly connect AI technology to practical insurance outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is eligible to participate?
Only undergraduate students enrolled in Nigerian institutions are eligible.
How many people can be on a team?
Each team must consist of exactly three members from the same institution.
Is prior experience in insurance required?
No. Participants do not need prior insurance experience, but solutions must address insurance-related challenges.
Do all team members need technical skills?
No. Teams are encouraged to include a mix of technical, design, and project management skills.
What format should the proposal be submitted in?
All proposals must be submitted as a PDF using the official template.
Are there non-cash rewards?
Yes. Participants receive certificates, swag, mentorship exposure, and opportunities to showcase their work.
Can postgraduate students apply?
No. The hackathon is limited to undergraduate students only.
Conclusion
The Heirs Insurance Hackathon offers Nigerian undergraduates a powerful platform to apply artificial intelligence to real-world insurance challenges while competing for significant cash prizes.
By fostering collaboration between students, mentors, and industry experts, the hackathon aims to drive innovation that makes insurance more accessible, efficient, and inclusive.
For students passionate about AI, technology, and impact-driven innovation, this hackathon represents a unique opportunity to shape the future of Africa’s insurance industry.
For more information, visit Heirs Insurance Group.
