The Stockholm Challenge Award 2006 is open for entries
THE STOCKHOLM CHALLENGE AWARD 2006 invites excellent ICT projects
from all over the world to compete for the prestigious Challenge
trophies. The Challenge is searching for the best initiatives that
accelerate the use of information technology for the social and
economic benefit of citizens and communities. The objective is to help
local entrepreneurs, who work to close the digital divide, by bringing
in research communities, development organisations and strong corporate
initiatives.
THE AWARDS WILL BE HANDED OUT IN
SIX CATEGORIES in the City Hall - on May 11,
2006. Special focus will be on projects in countries and regions with
the greatest needs. There will also be an international Challenge
conference in Stockholm on issues related to the role of ICTs in global
development work.
THE AWARD IS OPEN FOR ENTRIES until December 31st 2005.
The
application form is easily accessible on the
home page.
The Stockholm Challenge is headquartered at the
IT University -
a joint initiative by
KTH (The Royal
Institute of Technology) and
Stockholm University . It is managed by a consortium that also
includes the City of Stockholm, Ericsson and Sida, the Swedish
International Development Cooperation Agency.
For more information, please contact:
Project Manager
Ulla Skidén
ulla.skiden AT stockholmchallenge.se
Telephone: + 46 8 7904469
Cell: +46 70 678 72 82
www.stockholmchallenge.se
Rules for participation in the Stockholm Challenge
Award 2006
These are the basic rules for the participation in the Stockholm
Challenge Award. All competing projects must:
1. Include ICT
Illustrate how ICT is used to create new or better traditional services
and/or products, which are beneficial for human and social development.
2. Be implemented
All competing projects must be up and running. They should be
implemented/piloted since no less than three months. The Stockholm
Challenge Award does not accept drafted concepts and ideas only. The
jury will only evaluate and compare projects that can show measurable
outcomes and impact.
3. Be linked to and/or supported by an established private or
public organisation.
4. Be verifiable, i.e. able to present credible references.
5. Be free from religious, political or other personal beliefs.
To be noted:
Projects that have won one of the Challenge categories
in previous years cannot enter the competition again.
All applications must be in English
Evaluation criteria
Innovation, creativity and the convergence of ICT with many
different disciplines are some of the qualities that are looked for in
the competing projects. The jury, a group of international senior
experts, base their evaluation on the following criteria, most of which
all Challenge projects should meet:
Innovation
Competing projects should illustrate new and innovative ways of using
ICT to improve the living and economical conditions especially of those
with great needs.
Convergence
The addition of ICT as a tool to traditional development work can
improve and widen the scope of the project impact. Projects should show
successful convergences of different disciplines and sectors.
Inclusion
It is favourable for the competing projects to show that they bring
individuals, groups and local organisations into larger communities �C
national and global - such as medical, government, educational and
cultural networks, as well business environments.
Equal Opportunity
It is important that the initiatives counteract inequality related to
the likes of gender, origin, age, physical and/or mental disabilities.
Sustainability
An important factor is sustainability. Not only economic
sustainability, i.e. how long the project will last and bring benefits
to its users. Sustainability also includes the contribution of the
project to a sustainable society and environment at large.
Opportunities
To enter a project in the Stockholm Challenge Award is not only to
participate in a prestigious international ICT competition - it is also
a way to join networks of some of the best ICT entrepreneurs and
pioneers in the world. Testimonials from many of the projects, which
have competed in their respective categories over the years, say that
it is the inspiration, the new ideas, contacts and partners that are
the greatest rewards for a Challenger.
The Stockholm Challenge represents excellent marketing through the
exposure to media, and to private and public organizations that are
involved in ICT work and implementations. It gives promotional
opportunities for entrepreneurs, universities, cities, cities and
regions. The Stockholm Challenge Final Events include a Best Practice
Exhibition and a Conference. It is a meeting place for some the world's
most successful IT entrepreneurs.
Winners and finalists of the Stockholm Challenge are global role
models for cities, companies, organisations, schools and others who are
involved in adapting and spreading the use of ICT.