What is the mBillionth Award and what does it aim to do?

The mBillionth Award is an integrated platform for recognising innovations and best practices in the use of mobile phone technology for development and empowerment of marginalized communities. Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) launched this as a separate award in 2010 as a spin off from the Manthan Awards. This first-of-its-kind initiative in South Asia has today become the most influential and leading platform in the region for not only recognising and honouring best practices in use of mobile technology for development but also for networking among practitioners to create an ecosystem for knowledge sharing, partnerships and collaborations.

Who is eligible for applying for this award?

The mBillionth Award is open to any of the following entities from any SAARC country provided the person, group of persons or organisation has implemented some digital intervention for development and empowerment of marginalised communities using mobile technology:

  1. Governments
  2. NGOs
  3. Individuals/Students
  4. Entrepreneurs
  5. Industry (Private Sector Companies/PSUs/Corporates)
  6. Academics and Academic institutions

What is the process of competing for the awards?

Nominations can only be submitted online at www.mbillionth.in

Which SAARC countries are eligible to participate in the mBillionth award?

All the eight SAARC countries can participate. These eight countries are:

  • India
  • Afghanistan
  • Pakistan
  • Sri Lanka
  • Bangladesh
  • Maldives
  • Bhutan
  • Nepal

Can anyone not based in any one of the eight SAARC countries apply for the awards?

Yes, of course. Any project which has been developed or has the customer base/target market in any of the SAARC countries can apply for the award.

Is there any entry fee?

No, there is no entry fee. Any interested participant can apply, in multiple categories, following the guidelines.

Can I enter the awards if I am a previous winner?

Yes, but it should not be for the same winning project. Any previous winner can apply with a different project.

Will I be getting any acknowledgement receipt for my entry?

Yes, when any nominee submits complete nomination form along with all the supported documents/material, we send an acknowledgement receipt to the nominee.

Can I submit multiple nominations for different categories?

Yes, any Nominee can submit multiple products/projects for different categories.

Can I submit one project under 2 categories, if it fits?

No, one Nominee can apply under the best fit category and the project will be considered for that only. Same project cannot be submitted under 2 categories. But the Jury has the right to change the category of the project/product to ensure the ‘Best Fit’.

What is the process of withdrawing from the nominations?

Any nominee is required to send an email (mbillionth@defindia.net) requesting the withdrawal from the award process quoting the reason for such withdrawal.

In what form is supporting material allowed?

Digital files may be submitted for all categories. Files in PowerPoint, Word, Excel, PDF are allowed & videos, audios in .wmv format. Kindly visit the Guidelines section to know the required supported documents.

Can I send the supporting material later after submitting the nomination form?

Yes, any nominee can send the supporting material to the given email address within two days of submitting the nomination form online. The mBillionth Award Secretariat will send a mail regarding the same.

Will my supporting material/shared material remain confidential & returned to me?

Any information or material related to the products/projects & organisation will remain confidential & will not be shared with any external entity. On request, the material will be given back to the nominee after the final presentation before the Grand Jury.

When will the judging process start?

The process of evaluation commences from the date of closing of nominations. Entries will be judged on the predefined evaluation criteria.

What are the evaluation criteria for the product/project?

Content & Services – Quantify the quality of content and services delivery, relevance of content and its utility value

Impact & Sustainability – The social impact & the commercial viability of the application/product.

Functionality/Navigation – User friendliness & interactive nature of the application & its features.

Interface & Visual Design – Usability as well as the Design of applications and devices having larger user preference, aesthetic value with multimedia.

USP & Strategic Value – Uniqueness of the idea & the easiness of strategy replication.

Execution & Implementation – Procedures of carrying out & executing the innovation, idea according to the market demand.

Accessibility – Cost effectiveness matching social and economic capital of different user groups with diverse needs in different income brackets.

Overall Experience – The user base & overall user experience regarding the application/content.

Is it mandatory to fill all the fields in the nomination form?

It is necessary for the participant to fill all the fields that are marked as mandatory or else the form will be considered as incomplete and might be rejected. In any case, however, we suggest that you give as much information about your nominated project as possible to facilitate proper evaluation by the Jury members.

I have a concept note on the project and we are going to implement it soon. Can I apply for the awards?

No, you cannot. Any project which has not been implemented yet is not eligible to participate in the mBillionth Award process. Any nominated project has to complete at least 4 months on-ground by March, 2016. Start-ups can send their new projects started after 1st January, 2016 in our new category called Early Stage.

When will the shortlisted projects be announced?

After the Grand Jury is over, the shortlisted nominations are contacted individually through email/phone from the mBillionth Award Secretariat.

When will we know about the final results?

Final Results will be declared during the Award Gala on the final event day, scheduled for July 23rd, 2016.

Is setting up a stall mandatory for all the finalists/nominees?

Yes, we encourage all, particularly the shortlisted nominations, to put up their stalls during the final event so that their outreach is maximised and there is greater networking amongst them and all the industry stakeholders attending.

What is the time limit of the presentation on final event day?

Five minutes will be given to the participant to present the project (excluding 3 minutes of interactive query session).

Is there any mandatory query session after presentation?

Yes, after the presentation there is a Query session. Judges as well as the audience can ask questions from the presenter on their presentation or the product.

Will I get the transport/accommodation facility?

No, we request you to please make the necessary arrangements on your own. We can facilitate you in terms of suggesting the accommodation nearby the venue.

Who is eligible to apply for volunteering for the final event?

Any person who has interest in mBillionth Award or m-domain is welcome to volunteer for the final event.

Is there any certificate given to Volunteers?

Yes, certificates for volunteering will be provided to the volunteers from Digital Empowerment Foundation. Some token money is also given to the best performing volunteer.

What are the date and timings for the mBillionth Award 2016?

July 23rd, 2016 (8:00am to 8:30pm) –

By when can we register online?

Online registration is open till 20th July 2016. On-spot registration charges are 2500 INR/ 50 USD.

What does the registration charge include?

It includes:

  • Delegate kit (with all information collaterals)
  • Meals (available at venue)
  • Attendee pass to all sessions plus Exhibition

If I am not a nominee, how can I get a speaker slot at the event?

Please write to us at mbillionth@defindia.net with a request for getting a speaker slot. Please attach the brief profile of the person who wishes to speak at the event.

Can Press & Media attend these awards?

Yes, Press & Media are welcome to the final event day to cover the best practices in use of mobile technology for development. There are 2 free passes available for the Press & Media. Please carry your ID card.

How do I contact someone at the mBillionth Award?

You need to write to us at mbillionth@defindia.net informing us of your interest in the subject line of the mail. Our team will contact you within 2 working days.

How does my company join the mBillionth Award?

To join the mBillionth Award, please register yourself online from May, 2016 onwards.

Are there sponsorship opportunities within the mBillionth Award?

Yes. The mBillionth Award has several sponsorship and promotional opportunities available from March 2016 onwards. To know our current sponsorship details, please contact mbillionth@defindia.net