Google UK is inviting British non-profit firms for its 2014 Google Impact Challenge with an offer of £3.2 million in grants.
The Impact Challenge, launched last year, aims to find and support charities using technology “to transform lives.” The top four ideas will receive a £500,000 grant each and six runners up will each receive £200,000.
Entries will be judged by Google’s Matt Brittin and Jacquelline Fuller, Entrepreneur and star of Dragons’ Den Peter Jones CBE, Nesta’s Innovation Lab Executive Director Helen Goulden, Founder of Wikipedia Jimmy Wales, and Broadcaster and Director of Red Nose Day Emma Freud.
“At Google, we get very excited by innovations that make peoples’ lives better. The Impact Challenge gives us the chance to focus that passion on the dynamic British non-profit community,” said Matt Brittin, judge and Google’s Vice President for Northern and Central Europe.
“Charitable organisations and modern technology both have the power to transform lives, so I’d encourage all UK charities to think big and apply.”
All UK-registered charities are eligible to take up the challenge, and apply until June 6. The company will name the 10 finalists on July 21, inviting the public to vote for their favourite.
All the 10 finalists will have to pitch their ideas to the panel of judges on July 31. Judges will select 3 winners, while public will pick their favourite for the award of £500,000. In addition, the winners will also receive technical assistance from Google, Nesta and ACEVO. The remaining six finalists will each receive £200,000.
In the Google Impact Challenge 2013, Solar Aid, Integrity Action, CDI Apps for Good and The Zoological Society of London (fan favourite) were the winners, while Pennies, MAKlab, vInspired, Age UK, War Child, and Amnesty International were the runner ups.
