New Delhi: Uninor, one of India’s youngest mobile operators, has announced the launch of a new platform Internet for All (IFA) Challenge 2014 in search of a mobile based social innovation.
The challenge invites young people in the age group of 18-25 for an innovation and ideation platform that provides two young internet enthusiasts a chance to represent India at the Telenor Youth Summit 2014 in Oslo, Norway.
The Telenor Youth Summit is organized in association with the Nobel Peace Center with a belief that the change enabled by mobile and Internet technology can drive socio-economic growth and development.
The summit is an opportunity for tomorrow’s social entrepreneurs to engage with experts, thought leaders and fellow youth. It’s a place to share ideas and discuss with peers how connectivity can improve lives, fuel growth and foster dialogue. The gathering aims to be an energetic arena where all participants can voice their ideas, be heard and be inspired.
Announcing the IFA Challenge, Morten Karlsen Sorby, CEO, Uninor said, “Through this challenge, we aspire to get the youth to start thinking about internet as a medium to address pressing social issues. Platforms like the IFA Challenge and the Telenor Youth Summit encourages exchange of ideas, builds trade and fosters communication between people and nations, thereby allowing focus of energy from conflicts to resolutions”.
After initial screening of entries, the first jury round will be held in seven cities – Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Agra, Lucknow, Hyderabad and Patna, where one winner each will be chosen. The seven finalists will be competing in the final round to be held in Delhi on October 9, 2014. The winners will be judged based on the potential of their idea, ease of commercial viability to ensure self-sustainability and the prominence of their oratory and presentation skill in creatively articulating their idea. An external jury including top personalities from the fields of technology, social service, internet and telecom industries as well as the CEO of Uninor and Head of Telenor Asia will be drawn for evaluation.
The three winners will get a cash prize to help them promote their idea for adoption. The first winner will get a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and an all expense paid trip to Oslo to attend the Telenor Youth Summit, the second winner will get a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and an all expense paid trip to Oslo to attend the summit. The runner-up will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
The competition is open to passionate young enthusiasts who aim to bring a positive social change by innovative use of mobile Internet. Interested participants can submit entries using the Internet for All Challenge application on the Facebook page of Uninor or www.uninor.in/ifachallenge. The last date for submission is 31st August, 2014.Â