The ICT Innovation App challenge was on November 22 launched in Dubai during the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA). Now open for applications, the challenge aims to tap the power and interoperability of ICTs in promoting sustainable economic growth in emerging states.
ITU a public-private partnership organisation with over 193 countries and over 700 private-sector entities and academic institutions as members and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland with twelve regional and area offices around the world.
According to ITU, the innovative ICT applications which can run on mobile phones or have mobile Internet access, and social media tools and able to transform inclusion, citizen participation, and transparency are best suited to apply. ITU is calling for Innovative mobile application services (e.g mobile health, mobile payments, etc), e-Education, e-Government and Intelligent Transport Systems.
Individuals or firms from ITU Member States can apply however not all entities are eligible to take home the cash prize. The Best App – Individual/SME (small and medium enterprise) will take home a cash prize of USD 5,000, while the Best App Corporate (no cash prize). Others will have Honourable mentions – Individual/SME or Corporate with no cash prize. Application closes on January 22.
The winners of the Challenge will be announced on May 17 2013 during the World Information Society Day at Geneva where they will showcase their applications.