The Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, in collaboration with industry partners (Chevron, ExxonMobil, Total, FirstBank, Access Bank, Accenture, Digital Jewel and others) launched a Technology Innovation Programme - called TECHLAUNCHPAD - on December 10, 2012 at Eko Hotel and Suites to seek software solutions (in beta stage) that can address specific challenges in these industries. Interested software developers with beta solution(s) on Analytics(BI), Mobility (Payment/Collection), CRM (Social Media Aggregator), Digital Media (Marketing, Webcast, Subscription), Fraud Management, Oil and Gas Repair and Maintenance, Oil and Gas Decision Assistance should please submit their expression of interest at www.techlaunchpad.com.ng. Benefits for successful entrepreneurs include:

1. Capacity Building: Growing Local content / Deepening of technology skills
2. Access to the right technology development tools and global standards
3. Links to industry and strategic partners:Access to functional experts/industry, mentoring & networking
4. Cultivating the right ecosystem to foster growth, idea generation and improve solution fit
5. Technology commercialization assistance: Providing access to the market to enhance fit and patronage
6. Funding: Providing investors access to start-up capital or venture capital
7. Intellectual Property Management to safeguard investments

Eligible individuals and companies are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications for the first round is FEB 24th, 2013 Late applications will not be accepted.

Reference links:

http://www.punchng.com/business/technology/minister-boosts-local-software-capacity-development/
http://allafrica.com/stories/201212110589.html
http://www.channelstv.com/home/2012/12/11/f-g-launches-techlaunchpad-for-young-entrepreneurs/

Is this a competition or what? i didn't see anything like an award or what i stand to gain if i participate.

This is not a competition, but rather a platform to allow developers to submit brief story around their business and solution that address specific areas of the Oil & Gas and Banking industry. The selection committee will preview the submission, review the demo, interview applicants and shortlist the solutions that meet the needs of the Oil & Gas and Banking industries. The successful applicants will be admitted into an incubation centre (free office space with high internet speed etc), mentored by selected CIOs of these industries. The CIOs, Accenture, Digital Jewel will work with them to define the full requirements and ensure that the solution is completely built according to international standards and quality. The programme will provide free training, free software testing, business advisory services to the developers. More importantly at the end of the development, the Banks and the Oil and Gas will uptake the solution and pay the developers. That means business for the developers - cost of development, annual maintenance and support cost of the software. This programme sole aim is to create a captive market for the local software developers.

Hey guys! Do you aware of any other good software development companies? Thanks in advance for your answers!