Safaricom has launched the Appwiz Challenge for 2014 to identify Kenyan developers and drive new app development across all mobile platforms. The challenge is focused on developing ICT businesses through provision of mentorship, training and incubation to allow start-ups further develop their prototype solutions before entering the market.
Selected finalists will be mentored by the gurus in the fields of entreprenuership, go -to-market strategies, business and project management.
Using mobile technology as an enabler
The challenge allows submission of applications that use mobile technology as an enabler. These include various operating systems, SMS and USSD and Mobile Money Technology. Developers are encouraged to form teams of 3 in order to ensure that their application development and skill set distribution will help them better manage their businesses.
The main categories available for developers are;
1. Mobile for Good and community development:
This includes solutions in health, education, agriculture, food and water security, environmental conservation and social inclusion.
2. Smart Business and Cloud Innovation:
Including solutions that target SME’s, retail and logistics management.
3. Financial Inclusion:
These include solutions that assist in economic empowerment and deepening of financial inclusion.
4. Youth, Media and Entertainment:
This category includes games, social messaging, arts and culture and national heritage.
5. Infrastructure and Utilities:
Requires solutions that deal with transport, energy and power.
Cash prizes for 3 winners
Winners of the Safaricom Appwiz Developer Challenge 2014 will receive the following in cash prizes
Grand Prize Winner – Ksh 1.5 Million (Payable in 3 installments based on milestone achievement)
Runners up – Each Ksh. 1,000,000 (Payable in 2 installments based on milestone achievement)
Category winner – Ksh. 200,000 (Payable in 2 installments subject to achieving milestones)
AppWiz only open to Kenyan citizens
To enter you must be a Kenyan citizen, 18 or over and have skills in mobile application development.For further details please see Terms and Conditions.
The closing date for entries is August 10th, 2014, with the final in early December. Find out more and register here.
