By Our Reporter
In the latest step to spearhead the local innovation ecosystem, MTN Uganda has announced the first ever MTN Innovation Awards, a platform through which the company and its partners will recognize outstanding mobile and desktop applications developed locally as well as outstanding individuals and organizations that are leading the development of ground breaking innovations in the country.
The awards, grouped into eight categories will recognize and award outstanding applications in the fields of health, education, financial services, SME solutions and Enterprise development. MTN will further recognize the outstanding Woman in Innovation, most innovative Mobile App and the Innovation Achiever of the year, through these awards
According to the company’s Chief Marketing Officer Mapula Bodibe, the awards are part of MTN’s commitment to enabling, leading and supporting a technology-driven economy.
“Through initiatives like the MTN App Challenge – held in May 2015 – and the recently concluded MTN Juniors’ Robotics Camp, MTN Uganda strives to be a key driver and supporter to shaping Uganda’s future in technology and innovation. It is with this vision in mind that we are launching these awards. We want to recognize creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship amongst participants. We shall be looking out for applications that have already been launched independently and have been used in the market with measurable impact,” she said.
Modibe explained the applications must address a problem or opportunity as defined in the respective Award category.
The Outstanding Woman in Innovation and Innovation Achiever of the Year awards will recognize individuals or organizations that have been in the innovation space for at least 4 years. The individuals/organizations must have implemented impactful initiatives using technology that are still actively running and have had positive results.
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and announced at the Awards Gala Dinner on 13th November 2015. They will receive several prizes including a cash prize of U$ 1,000.