[7 February 2013] -- A technical solutions competition dedicated to empowering people has generated a very strong response, to the delight of its sponsor, Siemens.
More than 800 inventors from over 90 countries submitted technical inventions to improve the supply of basic services as part of the competition, which was launched at the UN Summit for Sustainable Development in June 2012.
Submissions have been entered from all around the world with a large proportion coming, as expected, from developing and emerging countries themselves. This is not least due to direct communication via social media channels, which sparked interest in the “empowering people. Award“ amongst the growing community.
The Siemens Stiftung plans to create an online platform with the entries to the competition. This database of practical solutions and products will also serve as a networking platform designed to bring together inventors and their inventions with people on the ground as well as with NGOs, aid organisations or potential investors.
“Over the last few weeks, we have already observed a lively exchange taking place on social media channels between inventors, implementing organisations and potential users in the regions themselves. We are convinced that easier access to, and direct exchange about technical solutions will enable their more effective use in development and aid projects”, commented Rolf Huber, Managing Director of the Siemens Stiftung.
The evaluation phase of the competition has now begun. An expert team will evaluate all the entries submitted according to the criteria defined and create a shortlist of the most promising submissions. A renowned international jury from the fields of commerce, science and developmental cooperation will then select the winners. The Siemens Stiftung will award a sum of 50,000 Euros to the top prize winner. The second prize is a total of 30,000 Euros and the third prize a total of 20,000 Euros. A further 20 finalists will be awarded 5,000 Euros each.
The KfW (business area development bank), the Helmholtz Association and the UN-Habitat are partners of the international competition.
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