Non-profits, as the urban legend goes, are supposed to be averse to technology. But that is only an urban legend, and Google wants to demolish this myth once and for all.
On Monday, Google launched its Google Impact Challenge in India with little fanfare, as is characteristic of the company. A post on Google India's official blog said the US-based Internet giant is asking Indian non-profits how they would use technology to tackle problems both in the country and around the world. The four submissions judged to be the best will each receive Rs 3 crore. The monetary reward will be backed by technical assistance from Google itself so that the non-profit concerned can make the project a reality.
Since the early years of this century, many Indian non-profits have not only embraced the Internet wholeheartedly, but also gone ahead in using technology for social change. Mega website India Water Portal, which is run by city-based Arghyam, makes cutting edge use of technology: it collates and reproduces water-related data in a way that can give even corporate websites a run for their money. The website of the Environment Support Group is a treasure trove of information on developmental and environmental matters pertaining to the city.
The Google initiative, of course, is being timed with Independence Day. The company is celebrating the spirit of creativity, diversity and entrepreneurship that it sees as hallmarks of the world’s largest democracy. And this will be done by enabling the best local non-profits that are using technology to make the world better, faster.
Applications opened on Monday and Indian non-profits will be able to apply online by September 5 at: g.co/indiachallenge. A team review applications and announce 10 finalists on October 21. The public will then be invited to assess the finalists and vote for their favourite projects. The final event, on October 31, will feature a panel of judges that would include Google board member Ram Shriram; Google’s chief business officer, Nikesh Arora; Jacquelline Fuller, Director, Google Giving; Anu Aga, social worker and former chairperson of Thermax; and Jayant Sinha, managing director of Omidyar Network India Advisors. Three winners will be selected; the fourth awardee will be based on online votes from the public.
Google board member Ram Shriram said, "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. I’m thrilled to be part of a new tech-oriented, venture model that will support our country’s engine of social entrepreneurs, identifying and backing the best technology ideas to improve the lives of millions.”
The Google Impact Challenge in India is also part of the company's ongoing giving efforts. Every year, Google gives away $100 million in grants, $1 billion in free and discounted apps and ads, and 50,000 employee volunteer hours around the world. The Global Impact Awards were launched in 2002 to support entrepreneurial non-profits with a tech idea for how to change the world. In addition to backing Indian social innovators, Google wants to bring to the centrestage the many non-profits working to help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
