Public voting has opened for the first Google Impact Challenge Nigeria, a competition to find the most innovative not-for-profit Nigerian organisations using technology to solve societal problems.
“It is important to bring people’s attention to the good work done by the numerous innovative non-profits operating in Nigeria. The Google Impact Challenge opens Google’s arms to Nigerian social innovators working to solve challenging social issues, and asks for their bold ideas to grow economic opportunity in the country – and beyond. It brings Google.org funding and the best of Google’s people and products to help turn these entrepreneurs’ ideas into reality. This challenge illustrates how technology, combined with local know-how and a firm resolve, can help to address the challenges so many Nigerians face daily,” says Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor, Country Director for Google Nigeria.
She says the competition, which was launched in May, will have massive positive impact on the African non-profit sector through the attention it is bringing to the market.
“Innovation is happening all around us. Now is the time to reward those who work tirelessly to improve the lives of all Africans,” she says.
The initiative, which attracted over 3,000 submissions from Nigeria, is now in its final stages, and 12 Nigerian non-profits will be receiving a $125,000 grant as well as support and training from Google to implement their ideas. The 4 people’s choice and judge-selected winners will double their award and win $250,000.
BudgiT Foundation – Its Tracka Capital Project raises a community of active citizens who monitor the implementation of government projects to ensure service delivery.
Bunmi Adedayo Foundation – This non-profit organisation trains public primary school teachers to bridge competency gaps in their teaching methodology as well as any subject area deficiencies.
HelpMum – Using mobile technology, HelpMum provides clean birth kits to ensure that pregnant women are given the best possible care during delivery, irrespective of where they live.
Junior Achievement Nigeria – Provides entrepreneurship and digital skills training for secondary school students.
LearnFactory Nigeria – Its EmBED project uses technologies like virtual and augmented reality and artificial intelligence to make learning fun for children.
Project Enable Africa – This digital inclusion project promotes the access of people with disabilities and their caregivers to ICT skills and opportunities.
Rural Development and Reformation Foundation – Its OLEJU campaign is designed to economically empower women to become skilled artisans using creative recycling technology as a major tool.
Seed Tracker – IITA – This digital app is designed to enhance quality seed production and access to seed markets, addressing the lack of knowledge in the sector.
Solar Sister Nigeria – This non-profit social enterprise recruits, trains, and mentors women to deliver transformational solar and clean cooking solutions directly to the doorsteps of homes across the country.
The Cece Yara Foundation – It established the first toll-free child helpline and child advocacy centre in Nigeria and aims to connect victims with professional services through the web, SMS, and mobile apps.
The Roothub Tech 101 – A training programme designed to provide much-needed technology skills to disadvantaged youths in the rural areas of Nigeria.
Vetsark – It is planning to launch Alpha Prime Disease Surveillance Technology to predict, prevent, and control pests and disease outbreaks in Nigeria to protect crops and livestock.
