Award to recognize small businesses and entrepreneurs using innovative ICT solutions for social good

Geneva, 11 August 2015 – ITU has launched the ITU Telecom World Entrepreneurship Awards 2015 , a new awards programme for the most innovative start-ups, micro-, small and medium-sized businesses participating at ITU Telecom World 2015 and using ICTs to provide solutions with real and sustainable social and economic impact.

The Awards programme recognizes the crucial role played by ICT entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and supporting technology hubs, incubators and government initiatives, in driving industry growth, creating employment and contributing meaningfully to social development and the achievement of sustainability goals across emerging and developed markets.

All SMEs and entrepreneurs exhibiting at ITU Telecom World 2015 in Budapest, Hungary, 12 – 15 October, are eligible to enter the award, whether taking part with an independent stand or pod, or as part of a National Pavilion.

Selected by an expert jury including ministers, regulators, industry CEOs and leading ITU officials, the ITU Telecom Entrepreneurship Award will be presented at the closing ceremony of ITU Telecom World. Prizes will also include the People’s Choice Award, chosen by delegates attending ITU Telecom World 2015, and the Innovation Champion Award for what is judged to be the most effective government scheme fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and SMEs in the ICT sector.

Winners will benefit from international recognition as leading entrepreneurs for social good, unique visibility and networking opportunities, and the guarantee of a free exhibition stand and speaking slot in the Forum debates at next year’s ITU Telecom World.

“In celebrating the most promising high-growth SMEs using ICTs for social good, along with successful government initiatives supporting entrepreneurship in this sector, ITU is setting the bar for good practice and the fruitful exchange of ideas globally, and taking a lead in promoting innovative ICT entrepreneurship for socio-economic development, “ said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “The ITU Telecom World Entrepreneurship Awards represent a valuable platform for global visibility for entrepreneurs, SMEs and government schemes, offering the potential to develop partnerships, networking and funding to take innovative ICT solutions to scale.”