Google launches Rs 12 crores Google Impact Challenge in India

NEW DELHI, INDIA: 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.

"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," said Google.

Rajan Anandan, VP and MD, Google India said: "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."

Google launched the Global Impact Awards in 2013 to support entrepreneurial non-profits with a tech idea for how to change the world.

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."

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.

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.

Applications open today and Indian non-profits are invited to apply online by 5th September.