The MTN Academic Research Development and Innovation Challenge (MTN ARDIC) is an end-to-end support system where selected students would translate their ideas into solutions through a seamless access to applicable tools, data, platform and hands-on mentoring.

The Initiative
MTN will be hosting an exclusive launch of the event to connect with other organizations supporting MTN’s mission to inspire young Nigerian to become entrepreneurs and foster their journey. Students, entrepreneurs and relevant stakeholders are invited to attend the 3 regional pitching events to pitch for the chance to win.
At the end of the challenge, MTN would provide the top 6 well-motivated Masters/PhD researchers who want to translate their research ideas into high-impact innovations with enabling platforms, APIs, data, training, mentorship and 6 months acceleration with Seedstars to further develop the ideas towards commercialization.

Requirements:

To be considered for selection in the MTNN ARDIC, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a registered current postgraduate (Masters or Doctorate) student of an accredited Nigerian university or research institute.

• Must have received confirmation from faculty and commenced research in one of the focus areas below.

• Must be interested in applying the findings from his/her research to solve practical socio-economic challenges in Nigeria.

• Must provide evidence of rightful ownership of the research topic/idea submitted for consideration.

• Must agree to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be drawn between relevant parties (MTN and other Implementing Partners) at relevant stages of the challenge.

• Must have commenced and been studying the chosen research area for at least 8 months. Students who have completed their research study but are yet to graduate from their universities are also eligible to apply.

Qualifying Research Areas

ECONOMIC & COMMERCIAL FOCUS

Econometric modeling and Advanced Scenario Analysis for Telco industry using macro-economic data

Media Optimization and Attribution Modeling of media advertising spend

Market footprint optimization for retail

Geo-marketing and Community churn modeling

Digital Media Optimization and real-time planning model

Use of GIS/Satellite Data for market sizing, characterization and SME clustering/valuation

https://mtnardic.seedstars.com/

https://www.opportunitiesforafricans.com/mtn-academic-research-and-development-innovation-challenge-2019/

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