Vodafone Americas Foundation: Funding the best Innovations using Wireless Technology to Address Critical Social Issues around the World

Deadline: 22 February 2016

The Vodafone Americas Foundation is currently inviting applications for its competition- ‘designing the Wireless Innovation Project’ to promote innovation and increase implementation of wireless related technology for a better world. Total awards up to $600,000 will be available to support projects .

The Vodafone Wireless Innovation Project (the “competition”) seeks to identify and fund the best innovations using wireless related technology to address critical social issues around the world. Project proposals must demonstrate significant advancement in the field of wireless-related technology applied to social benefit use. The competition is open to projects from universities and nonprofit organizations based in the United States. Although organizations must be based in the United States, projects may operate and help people outside of the United States.

Social & Technical Issue Areas

Applicants must demonstrate a multi-disciplinary approach that uses an innovation in wireless-related technology to address a critical global issue in one or more of the following areas:

1. Access to communication
2. Education
3. Economic development
4. Environment
5. Health
6. Connectivity
7. Energy
8. Language or Literacy hurdles

Awards

Winners will be selected for awards of $100,000, $200,000, and $300,000 which will be paid in equal installments over three years.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants should be either (a) U.S. nonprofit corporation or trust that is tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3) and that is a public charity (not a private foundation) or
• a U.S. University, including a university department, university-based research center, university-based entrepreneurship or technology innovation center that is legally part of the university.
• Project team participants may not be an employee of the Vodafone Americas Foundation, Vodafone Group Plc or any entity in which Vodafone Group Plc holds, directly or indirectly, a shareholding or interest of 20% or more or has the right to exercise, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of the voting rights (collectively, the “Vodafone Entities”).
• The applicant should propose an innovation in wireless-related technology to address a critical global issue in one or more of the following issue areas: education, health, access to communication, the environment or economic development.
• The project should demonstrate a significant advancement in wireless-related technology. (We define innovation as something that hasn’t been done before, building upon existing technology, or a unique combination of technologies.)
• The project should be at a stage of research where an advanced prototype or field/market test can occur during the award period.
• Early-stage research, or ready to launch products, will not be considered.
• Projects should involve an established multi-disciplinary team that demonstrates the expertise needed for a comprehensive solution to the targeted problem. For example, a team may consist of members from two or more of the following disciplines: engineering, design, business, international development, or other relevant disciplines. A team may also consist of university-based researchers and non-profit organizations working such areas as international development, health or environment.
• Projects should demonstrate potential for replication and large scale impact.
• Proposals should include a business plan or demonstration of financial sustainability.

How to Submit a Proposal

To submit a proposal, Applicants must first successfully complete the Eligibility Questionnaire. Eligible Applicants will then receive the URL for the online application via e-mail and be asked to create a username and password which will enable them to work on their proposal online. The application consists of multiple narrative questions and a project budget spreadsheet that Applicants must complete and submit. All information must be submitted through the on-line application. Finalists will be notified on or about March 25, 2016. The winners will be publicly announced and recognized at a public forum in June, 2016.

For more information, please visit Vodafone Call.