ITU Telecom World 2015

Award to recognize small businesses and entrepreneurs using innovative ICT solutions for social good

ITU has launched the ITU Telecom World Entrepreneurship Awards 2015, a new awards programme for the most innovative start-ups, micro-, small and medium-sized businesses participating at ITU Telecom World 2015 and using ICTs to provide solutions with real and sustainable social and economic impact.

The Inaugural ITU Telecom World Entrepreneurship Awards 2015 for the most innovative ICT-based startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high-growth potential working to provide real social impact and contribute to meeting the sustainable development goals.

The Awards programme recognizes the crucial role played by ICT entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and supporting technology hubs, incubators and government initiatives, in driving industry growth, creating employment and contributing meaningfully to social development and the achievement of sustainability goals across emerging and developed markets.

All SMEs and entrepreneurs exhibiting at ITU Telecom World 2015 in Budapest, Hungary, 12 – 15 October, are eligible to enter the award, whether taking part with an independent stand or pod, or as part of a National Pavilion.

Whom:

All ICT start-ups, entrepreneurs and SMEs exhibiting at ITU Telecom World 2015 in Budapest this October, whether with individual stands or pods, or within national pavilions, are eligible to enter for the Awards Programme. Awards will be presented in four categories:

ITU Telecom World Entrepreneurship Awards

for the most promising solution, start-up or SME at ITU Telecom World 2015, selected by a jury of experts.

ITU Telecom World Entrepreneurship People’s Choice Award

for the best solution, start-up or SME at ITU Telecom World 2015, as voted for by the event attendees.

ITU Telecom World Entrepreneurship National Award

for the best solution, start-up or SME from Hungary, the host country of ITU Telecom World 2015.

ITU Telecom World Innovation Champion Award

for the best or most effective government scheme supporting and fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and SMEs in the ICT sector at national or regional level.

Benefits:

Increased visibility at ITU Telecom World 2015
Global recognition as an innovative ICT4D solutions provider
Networking access to potential international public and private sector partners and customers
Opportunity for direct dialogue with governments and policy makers at the highest level
Leader Pass, free stand and confirmed speaking slot at ITU Telecom World 2016

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the ITU Telecom World Entrepreneurship Awards 2015

Application Deadline: May 7 2015

The ITU Telecom World Young Innovators Competition is looking for young social entrepreneurs using innovative ICT-based ideas to encourage entrepreneurship in local communities around the world. These efforts can encourage entrepreneurs in any field, through incubation, skill building, mentorship, sharing resources and collaboration between small businesses.

The Challenge:

What is important for this challenge is that young people around the world work together to self-empower people in their communities through entrepreneurship. The focus of this challenge will be on providing access to resources, education, incubation, startup capital, investment and support to new startups, and on connecting startups with one another, with potential employees and with mentors and experts.

Given that the groups in society who tend to be underrepresented in technology are often the same groups who suffer from crises of unemployment and underrepresentation in the economy as a whole, we have a special focus on connecting young people, women, minorities, rural communities and others with tools in the field of technology.

Eligibility Requirements:

Participants must be between 18 and 30, and can have either an established startup or the concept for a new one.
The Competition is open to individuals from Member States of the ITU