Etisalat Prize for Innovation Announces 2016 Call for Entries

Emma Okonji

Etisalat has called for entries for the 2016 edition of Etisalat Prize for Innovation. Launched in 2012, the Prize is designed to reward innovations that can promote mobile broadband utilisation in Nigeria and Africa at large.

Like in previous editions, the 2016 edition will be awarded in two categories: Most Innovative Product/Service category and Most Innovative Idea category. The first prize of N5,000,000 will be awarded for the most innovative product or service launched in the last 12 months, with a second prize of N2,000,000 awarded for the most innovative idea. In addition to the cash prizes, both winners and the other top 10 finalists will receive training at the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos.

Making the announcement, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher said the Etisalat Prize for Innovation was aimed at encouraging and celebrating valuable innovation in the Nigerian market. According to him, the Prize would not only be a reflection of the character of Etisalat in promoting and nurturing talent, but also a further proof of the brand’s commitment to supporting innovative ideas. As the Nigerian telecoms market witnesses the increasing migration of smartphones and mobile broadband networks, the 2016 edition of the Etisalat Prize for Innovation aims to extend the conversation on the revolutionary impact of innovation and technology as it addresses social challenges the country.

“Innovation is in our DNA, and as such supporting and promoting innovation is something that comes naturally to Etisalat. Since inception, our core business strategy has been based on innovation supported by three other basic elements, and this can be seen in all the products and services launched on our network,” Willsher said.
He further restated Etisalat Nigeria’s commitment to supporting government’s drive to engender and promote mobile broadband penetration in Nigeria, and expressed confidence that the Etisalat Prize for Innovation would go a long way in meeting its objective.

Entries for this year’s edition is open till September 9, 2016 and can be submitted at prizeforinnovation.etisalat.com.ng, while winners will be announced in November 2016.
Willsher explained that winners in previous editions of the Etisalat Prize for Innovation have gone ahead to excel in their various fields.

“Adebayo Adegbembo, developer of Genni Games who won in the Most Innovative Product/Service category in 2013, has expanded the scope of the product by adding more apps to his portfolio and integrating Genni Games with the Etisalat Games Portal. Adegbembo has held exhibitions in the UK, Germany, USA, South-Africa and Brazil and now organises Digital Storytelling Workshops for primary school children in Lagos and Johannesburg.”

“Anthony Oniwon, developer of Exammate and winner in the Most Innovative Product/Service category in 2014 has also done very well since receiving the Prize. He has developed an SSCE version of Exammate which previously focused on JAMB Examinations and is currently developing a new line of products for much younger children,” Willsher said.