Google launches Rs 12 Crores hunt for Indis's most inovative social entreprenuers

Google today is launching the Google Impact Challenge in India, asking Indian non-profits how they would use technology to tackle problems in India and around the world. The four submissions judged to be the best will each receive Rs 3 crores and technical assistance from Google to help make their project a reality.

On the eve of India's independence, Google is celebrating the spirit of creativity, diversity and entrepreneurship that are the hallmarks of the world's largest democracy, by enabling the best local non-profits that are using technology to make the world better, faster.

This is also part of Google's ongoing giving efforts. Every year we give away approximately $100 million in grants, $1 billion in free and discounted apps and ads, and 50,000 employee volunteer hours around the world. In 2012, we launched the Global Impact Awards to support entrepreneurial non-profits with a tech idea for how to change the world.

Applications open today and Indian non-profits are invited to apply online by 5th September at: g.co/indiachallenge. A team from Google will review applications and announce 10 finalists on 21st October. The public will then be invited to learn more about the top 10 finalists and cast a vote for their favourite projects.

The final event, to take place on 31st October, will feature a judging panel including Google board member Ram Shriram; Google's Chief Business Officer, Nikesh Arora; Jacquelline Fuller, Director, Google Giving; Anu Aga, Social Worker and former Chairperson, Thermax and Jayant Sinha, Managing Director, Omidyar Network India Advisors, who will select three awardees. The fourth awardee, based on online votes from the public, will also be revealed.

In addition to backing Indian social innovators, Google wants to shine a spotlight on the many Indian non-profits working to help solve some of the world's most pressing challenges. This is Google's first Challenge in India and only its second overall.

Google's Global Impact Awards support entrepreneurial non-profits using technology to tackle some of the world's toughest problems. Previous awardees have developed projects ranging from technology that allowed under-privileged students to access maths and science education to real-time sensors that help ensure people have better access to clean water.

Said Ram Shriram, judge and Google board member, "I've had the privilege of working with budding inventors for many years, and I know India's entrepreneurs are some of the biggest and boldest thinkers in the world. Today I'm thrilled to be part of a new tech-oriented, venture model that will support our country's amazing engine of social entrepreneurs, identifying and backing the best technology ideas to improve the lives of millions."

Added Rajan Anandan, Vice President and Managing Director, Google India added, "We are thrilled that the Google Impact Challenge is launching in India. It is a great opportunity for Indian non-profits to scale their efforts to help solve some of our toughest problems. India already has a rich tradition of corporate giving and hopefully the Challenge will galvanize social entrepreneurship in India."