Search engine giant Google has pledge Ksh. 200 million ($1.976 million) grant to non-profits and social enterprises that are leveraging on technology to improve the socio-economic standing of the community.
The non-profits and social enterprises up for this grant will be the 12 finalists of the first African Google Impact Challenge, and they must be registered charities in Kenya for them to be eligible to take part in the program.
“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 Charles Murito, the Country Manager for Google Kenya.
The enterprises wishing to participate in the program will have six months to apply for the grant before a panel of judges selects the 12 finalists. The judges will make their decision based on the impact each enterprise on their community, the level of innovation in their products, and its impact. The judges will also look into the technology, scalability, and feasibility of each enterprise’s products.
Members of the public will also be let in on the voting, and the judges will select three winners after listening to an in-person pitch from representatives from each enterprise. The winners will each get Ksh. 25 million.
Other than the cash prize award, the winners will also get access to a network of technical assistance and mentorship from Google.