Google launches first ‘Impart Challenge’ in Nigeria, commits $2M

Tech giant, Google has announced the launch of “Google Impact Challenge” in Lagos.

The initiative will see Google offer $2M worth of grant funding offered to nonprofits in Nigeria through challenge, which will see funding awarded to non-profits which are innovating using technology to reach their goals.

It said four non-profits in Nigeria stand the chance of winning $250 000 each while eight runners-up will each get $125 000.

Speaking on the announcement, Google Country Marketing Manager Affiong Osuchukwu said the goal of the challenge was to solve some of the continent pressing challenges.

“This is the first time we are running a Google Impact Challenge in Africa. Many African nonprofits are doing great work with real impact and we’re keen to shine a light on them, and give a financial boost to innovative projects and ideas. We believe technology can help local and national organisations 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” he said.

“We also want to highlight the healthy state of social enterprise in Nigeria today, and encourage non-profits to consider how technology can help them reach their goals”.

Winners will be decided by a panel of local judges and a public vote.

Apart from the cash prizes, winners will have access to guidance, technical assistance and mentorship from Google, which they are free to take up should they so choose.

The Google Impact Challenge Nigeria launched today, will close on the 4th of July. The final awards ceremony will be held during the week of 26 November.

The Nigerian judging panel includes chairman CEO Channels media group John Momoh, chairman CEO, Zinox Technologies Leo Stan Ekeh, chief executive officer Parminder Vir, Rapper and CEO of Chocolate City Music Group MI Abaga, Philanthropist and Executive Director of Nigeria Network of NGOs Oluseyi Oyebisi, Philanthropist and Media enterpreneur Mo Abudu, Ex-footballer and founder of the Kanu Heart Foundation Kanu Nwankwo, Managing General Partner, EchoVC Partners Eghosa Omoigui and Google Country Director Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor.

Applications are open for the next six months, and nonprofits can apply online here at www.https://impactchallenge.withgoogle.com/nigeria2018 or g.co/nigeriachallenge.

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