Technology giant, Google has launched a challenge for NGOs called “Google Impact Challenge.” This Initiative is the first of its kind in Africa, as stated by the Google Country Marketing Manager, Affiong Osuchukwu in Lagos, Nigeria.
Osuchukwu said that the rationale behind the challenge was to solve Africa’s pressing challenges, maintaining that the tech company will offer a sum of $2m worth of grant funding to non-profit organizations using technology to reach their goals.
He disclosed further that the four non-profits in the country stand the chance of winning $250 000 each while eight runners-up will each get $125 000.
He said, “This is the first time we are running a Google Impact Challenge in Africa. Many African non-profits are doing great work with real impact and we’re keen to shine a light on them and give a financial boost to innovative projects and ideas.”
“We believe technology can help local and national organisations to better reach their goals and solve some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, and we are eager to back people who are using technology in new ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”
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“We also want to highlight the healthy state of social enterprise in Nigeria today, and encourage non-profits to consider how technology can help them reach their goals”.
The winners of the challenge will be decided by a panel of local judges and a public vote.
Asides the cash prizes, winners will also have access to technical assistance, guidance, and mentorship from Google, which they are free to take up should they choose to.
The deadline for the challenge is 4th of July, while the final awards ceremony will be held on 26th of November.
Who Are the Judges for the Challenge?
The panel of judges include CEO Channels media group, John Momoh, CEO, Zinox Technologies Leo Stan Ekeh, Ex-footballer and Founder of the Kanu Heart Foundation Kanu Nwankwo, Chief Executive Officer; Parminder Vir, Philanthropist and Executive Director of Nigeria Network of NGOs Oluseyi Oyebisi, Philanthropist and Media entrepreneur Mo Abudu, Rapper and CEO of Chocolate City Music Group MI Abaga, Managing General Partner, EchoVC Partners Eghosa Omoigui and Google Country Director Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor.
Interested NGOs can apply online via here