A Sh200 million grant for non-profit and social-based enterprises using technology to improve lives has been unveiled by Technology Firm Google.
The grant will be shared out among 12 finalists of the first African Google Impact Challenge.
The challenge requires the partakers to be registered charities in Kenya.
“We believe technology can help local and national organizations to better reach their goals and solve some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, and we are eager to back people who are using technology in new ways to make a positive difference in their communities,” said Google Kenya country manager Charles Murito.
The process of picking the 12 finalists will be done after six weeks where enterprises that fit the bill are encouraged to apply.
They will then be selected based on their impact in the community in regard to innovation and technology, scalability and feasibility.
Members of the public will also be roped in voting for the idea which they believe is most sound and has the potential to change lives.
Here, the judges will select three winners from a set of 12 finalists. Each of the three winners will walk away with Sh25 million.
The other eight finalists will be awarded Sh12.5 million each.
Judges include industrialist Manu Chandaria, media personality Caroline Mutoko, Tegla Loroupe, Tabitha Karanja, Janet Mawiyoo, Salim Mohammed as well as Charles Murito.
Murito said this will be an opportunity to pitch Kenya’s social enterprise potential.
“We also want to highlight the healthy state of social enterprise in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa today, and encourage non-profits to consider how technology and innovation can help them reach their goals.”
The final awards ceremony will be held on November 26.
Applications can be submitted here https://impactchallenge.withgoogle.com/kenya2018