Heirs Insurance Group (HIG), one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance companies, has unveiled an exciting opportunity for university and tertiary students to help drive innovation in the insurance industry. The company has officially opened applications for the maiden edition of the Heirs Insurance Hackathon, a technology-focused innovation challenge designed to harness student creativity and problem-solving skills to tackle real-world challenges in insurance.
The hackathon is tailored for students enrolled in universities, polytechnics, and other higher education institutions across Nigeria. Participating teams are expected to develop practical solutions in areas such as customer experience, claims processing, underwriting, distribution, and operational efficiency using modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools.
According to the organisers, registration for the event closes on February 16, 2026, and the winners will be revealed at the Hackathon Grand Finale in April. The total prize pool for the competition is ₦9 million, which will be distributed among the top three teams with the most innovative and impactful ideas.
Heirs Insurance says this initiative underscores its commitment to youth empowerment, digital skills development, and inclusive innovation, areas the company believes are critical to shaping the future of financial and insurance services in Nigeria. Participants will benefit not only from the chance to win cash prizes but also from industry exposure, mentorship, and the opportunity to solve genuine business problems faced by financial services providers.
https://youtube.com/shorts/PfWsqj3Kg0k?feature=share
Peace Philips, Chief Digital Officer at Heirs Insurance Group, explained that the programme is being delivered in partnership with Redtech, the digital payment solutions arm of Heirs Holdings. Through this collaboration, submitted solutions will be evaluated not only for creativity but also for their technical feasibility, scalability, and potential for real-world impact within the insurance ecosystem.
Participants hoping to join the hackathon can submit their entries via the Heirs Insurance Group website before the deadline. Apart from the prizes, the initiative offers students a platform to demonstrate their technological ingenuity, gain valuable insights into the insurance industry, and make professional connections that could help kick-start their careers.
In addition to this university hackathon, Heirs Insurance Group has a history of encouraging youth engagement and learning. The company’s previous programmes, such as its Heirs Insurance Essay Championship, have offered substantial scholarships and cash awards like the ₦10.5 million in prizes awarded in 2025, to secondary school students and teachers to promote financial literacy and academic excellence.
“Through initiatives like these, we’re 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.”
By investing in digital innovation and youth talent, Heirs Insurance is helping to strengthen Nigeria’s tech-driven insurance sector, which can boost employment, support digital transformation, and attract investment into financial services. These initiatives also encourage the adoption of AI and tech solutions that can improve operational efficiency and widen insurance access across emerging markets.
