Vodafone has launched a new technology award programme, Techstarter, to fund with prototype ideas in the UK.
It has developed the programme in partnership with the Social Tech Trust and aims to “uncover and develop ideas that can harness the power of technology, connectivity and innovation to improve health, education, environmental protection or social mobility”.
There is a total of £300,000 available in its first round and all the winners will receive in-kind support for one year.
It is open to UK-based inventors, innovators, charities, social enterprises, businesses and entrepreneurs, with prototype ideas. All applications must have a clearly defined social purpose.
Four for-profit organsiations will receive £35,000 and four not-for profits will also receive £35,000. There is also two champion’s awards for people voted for by Vodafone employees who will get £10,000 each.
Applications should be submitted by 23 October.
Winners will be announced in February.
Helen Lamprell, Vodafone UK’s general counsel and external affairs director and Vodafone Foundation trustee, said: “Vodafone Techstarter is a hugely exciting opportunity for industry to contribute vital support, expertise and funding to help take early stage ventures driven by social purpose from start-up to scale-up. We believe that some of the biggest challenges in society can be addressed using technology and innovation. The UK has a fantastic opportunity to lead the way in providing solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges.”
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