Heirs Insurance Group has launched the first Heirs Insurance Hackathon, a targeted technology competition for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The initiative aims to harness Artificial Intelligence and digital tools to generate practical solutions for persistent challenges in the insurance sector, including customer service, underwriting, claims handling, distribution and efficiency of operations.
The Hackathon is open exclusively to students enrolled in universities, polytechnics and other higher education institutions. Participants are expected to form teams and propose technology-driven ideas that address real industry problems. Registration for the event closes on February 16, 2026, with finalists due to compete at the grand finale in April.
The competition will award a total of N9 million in prize money to the top three teams. The decision on winners will be based on the relevance, creativity and feasibility of the solutions presented.
Heirs Insurance positions this Hackathon as a key strategy to involve young innovators in the future of insurance. The company believes that exposing students to industry challenges and emerging technologies will deepen their understanding of the sector and equip them with practical skills.
In explaining the purpose of the programme, the Chief Digital Officer at Heirs Insurance Group, Peace O. Philips, stated: “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.”
This approach is in line with broader industry efforts to modernise insurance services in Nigeria through digital transformation. Leaders within the sector have increasingly emphasised the role of technology and youth participation in expanding market reach and improving operational performance.
The Hackathon’s focus on AI underscores its relevance to future industry needs. Students with varied skill sets, including coding, data analytics, and business strategy, are able to compete, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of innovation in insurance.
Heirs Insurance’s initiative also aligns with educational and workforce development goals by creating a structured environment for students to test ideas, receive feedback from industry professionals and build networks that could support future career opportunities.
By engaging young people directly in problem solving for a traditionally under-penetrated sector, the Hackathon could contribute to shifting perceptions of insurance and enhancing financial literacy among a demographic often seen as distant from such markets.
Teams planning to participate should finalise their registration before the mid-February deadline. The competition offers a clear incentive for tertiary students to apply their academic knowledge to tangible outcomes with financial rewards and professional exposure.
