Heirs Insurance Hackathon 2026: How Nigerian Students can Apply and win ₦9M in prizes
Heirs Insurance Hackathon 2026 offers ₦9m in prizes
The Heirs Insurance Group has officially opened applications for the 2026 Heirs Insurance Hackathon, inviting innovative Nigerian undergraduate students to compete for a total prize pool of ₦9 million by developing AI-powered solutions for the country’s insurance industry.
The competition, announced in January 2026, is part of Heirs Insurance Group’s broader commitment to digital transformation, youth empowerment, and technology-driven innovation within Africa’s financial services ecosystem.
What Is the Heirs Insurance Hackathon?
The Heirs Insurance Hackathon is a national innovation competition designed to bring together young tech talents, designers, and problem-solvers to reimagine how insurance works in Nigeria using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
According to the organizers, the hackathon focuses on building solutions that improve accessibility, efficiency, and trust in insurance by simplifying processes and enhancing user experience across the value chain.
Key Focus Areas for the 2026 Hackathon
Participants are expected to design AI-driven solutions that address real-world challenges in any of the following areas:
- Claims Processing – Faster, more transparent claims management
- Underwriting – Smarter risk assessment and pricing models
- Customer Experience – Improved onboarding, engagement, and service delivery
- Product Distribution – Wider and more inclusive access to insurance products
These focus areas align with Heirs Insurance Group’s vision of democratizing insurance and making coverage more accessible to Nigerians.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for the Heirs Insurance Hackathon 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a student of a recognized tertiary institution in Nigeria
- Participate as part of a team of three (3) students
- All team members must be from the same institution
The hackathon encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, and teams are advised to include a mix of technical and creative skills for optimal results.
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Prizes and Benefits for Winners
The top three teams will share a ₦9 million cash prize, distributed as follows:
- First Place: ₦5,000,000
- Second Place: ₦3,000,000
- Third Place: ₦1,000,000
Beyond the cash rewards, participants gain:
- Industry recognition and certificates of participation
- Exposure to insurance and technology professionals
- Practical experience solving real business challenges
- A platform to showcase innovation to potential employers and investors
How to Apply for Heirs Insurance Hackathon 2026 (Step-by-Step)
Interested and eligible candidates should follow these steps:
- Visit the official Heirs Insurance Hackathon webpage
- Form a team of three students from the same institution
- Download the official proposal template
- Ideate and design an AI-driven solution addressing one focus area
- Export the completed proposal as a PDF
- Submit the proposal through the application portal
Application Deadline: February 16, 2026
Early submission is strongly recommended.
Why the Heirs Insurance Hackathon Matters
As Nigeria’s insurance industry undergoes digital transformation, initiatives like the Heirs Insurance Hackathon play a critical role in bridging the gap between technology and financial services. By empowering students to develop scalable AI solutions, the program contributes to innovation, inclusion, and long-term sector growth.
FAQ
Is Heirs Insurance Hackathon 2026 open?
Yes. Applications for the Heirs Insurance Hackathon 2026 are currently open.
Who can apply for Heirs Insurance Hackathon?
Undergraduate students of recognized Nigerian tertiary institutions can apply as teams of three.
What is the prize for Heirs Insurance Hackathon 2026?
The total prize pool is ₦9 million, with ₦5m for first place, ₦3m for second, and ₦1m for third.
What is the focus of the Heirs Insurance Hackathon?
Participants must develop AI-driven solutions for claims processing, underwriting, customer experience, or product distribution in insurance.
Is the hackathon only for tech students?
No. Teams are encouraged to be multidisciplinary, including developers, designers, and project managers.
When is the deadline for Heirs Insurance Hackathon 2026?
The application deadline is February 16, 2026.
How do I apply for Heirs Insurance Hackathon?
Applicants must form a team, download the proposal template, develop a solution, and submit a PDF via the official portal.