Vodafone Americas Foundation: Wireless Innovation Project

The Wireless Innovation Project seeks to promote innovation and increase implementation of wireless related technology for a better world. The Project will fund the best innovations using wireless related technology to address critical social issues around the world. 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:

• Social issue areas, including: access to communications, education, economic development, environment, or health
• Technical issue areas, including: connectivity, energy, language or literacy hurdles, or ease of use

Proposed projects must:

• Involve 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
• Demonstrate a significant advancement in wireless-related technology (innovation is defined as something that hasn’t been done before, building upon existing technology, or a unique combination of technologies)
• 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)
• Involve an established multi-disciplinary team that demonstrates the expertise needed for a comprehensive solution to the targeted problem
• Demonstrate potential for replication and large scale impact
• Include a business plan or demonstration of financial sustainability

Amount: A total of $600,000 will is available to make three awards in the following amounts: $100,000, $200,000, and $300,000. Awards will be paid in equal installments over three years.

Eligibility: Applicants should be a: (1) 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 (2) U.S. university, including a university department, university-based research center, or a university-based entrepreneurship or technology innovation center that is legally part of the university. Although organizations must be based in the U.S., projects may operate and help people outside of the U.S.

Link: http://vodafone-us.com/wireless-innovation-project/about-wip/

This post was filed under: