Heirs Insurance Hackathon: N9m Innovation Prize for University Students

Heirs Insurance Group (HIG), Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance group, has opened applications for the maiden edition of the Heirs Insurance Hackathon, a technology-driven innovation programme designed to empower young students shape the future of insurance through Artificial Intelligence and digital solutions. The Hackathon is open only to students in universities, polytechnics, and other tertiary institutions to build solutions for real-world challenges across the insurance value chain, from customer experience and claims processing to underwriting, distribution, data, and operational efficiency. Registration closes on February 16, 2026, with winning teams to be announced at the Hackathon Grand Finale in April, with total prize pool of N9 million award to top three teams. The initiative reflects Heirs Insurance Group’s commitment to youth empowerment, digital skills development, and inclusive innovation, providing a platform for young Nigerians to apply emerging technologies to critical financial services challenges while gaining exposure to industry, mentorship, and real business problems. The Hackathon is being delivered in partnership with Redtech, the digital payment solutions arm of Heirs Holdings, which will bring its technical expertise to support the programme and review submitted solutions, ensuring that ideas are evaluated not only for creativity but also for technical feasibility, scalability, and real-world impact. Commenting on the launch, Peace O. Philips, chief digital officer, Heirs Insurance Group, said: “Africa’s future will be built by young people who have the opportunity to apply their ideas, creativity, and technology skills to real economic challenges. Through the Heirs Insurance Hackathon, we are giving the next generation of innovators a platform to engage with the insurance industry, build meaningful solutions, and contribute to shaping a more efficient and inclusive financial system.” Heirs Insurance Group is the insurance arm of Heirs Holdings, the leading pan-African investment company, with investments across 24 countries and four continents. With a rapidly expanding retail footprint and an omnichannel digital presence, Heirs Insurance Group, comprising Heirs General Insurance Limited, Heirs Life Assurance Limited, and Heirs Insurance Brokers, serves both corporate and individual customers across Nigeria. Heirs Insurance Group is championing financial inclusion and leading the digital insurance play in Nigeria, demonstrating its mission to democratise access to insurance.