Telecommunications provider, Airtel has unveiled a new application challenge for startup developers, aimed at attracting the ‘next big app developers’ into the Airtel group of companies.
The application challenge is a partnership between Bharti Airtel, Singaporean Telecommunications Company, Singtel and smartphone company Samsung.
The competition is seeks to attract developers in Africa and Asia who will partner with the companies to launch applications on the two continents.
Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Christian de Faria while announcing the partnership, said that the challenge reiterates the company’s commitment to empowering the youth to realise their potential in various sectors including Information Communication and Technology.
“This initiative is a great opportunity for developers in Africa to come up with innovative mobile apps that directly touch individual consumer’s needs. We hope to partner with like-minded individuals who will come forward and work together with us to come up with apps that will help us deliver the best smartphone experience for customers,” said Mr. de Faria.
The partnership will see Airtel Africa provide all operational support by running the campaign promotions while Singtel and Samsung together will organize a two- day mentorship program for the regional winners and the finale in November 2015.
It is a five-month app challenge that will see participants develop consumer-centric mobile applications that leverage on mobile network services of mobile, data, carrier billing, location and SMS.
The deadline for applications submission is September 5th, 2015 after which two African winners will be selected to participate in a Startup Mentorship Program in October 2015 in Singapore. The overall winners will be announced in November 2015 and expected to commence assignment with Airtel/ Singtel group of companies in 2016.
[Via]
