Nokia calls application developers

BANGALORE, INDIA: Heard of applications that will help rural farmers operating their pump sets from their mobiles, or one that helps blind people move through a location based service?

Nokia through its Forum Nokia is attracting and creating a repository of mobile applications from India.

"We are amazed with the response, we have received close to 4000 registrations and some very interesting applications," says Prakash Sayini, lead, Nokia's Developer Relations.

Prakash and his team are working through evangelizing mobile application development road shows, talking to key software development houses and developers individually.

"The key message is whats the opportunity for developers," adds Prakash.

Service providers see value added services as the key to future growth. And these are driven through newer applications for which subscriber is willing to pay more.

Nokia has created this contest where there is an invitation for developers to submit their applications at www.callingallinnovators.com.

The build up to showcase - the best mobile apps at the Barcelona Mobile Congress has started. "There are 200 applications already from India for the three categories - Technology showcase, Eco Challenge and Emerging Markets," shares Shiraz Dutta, marketing manager, India operations, Forum Nokia.

He added: "Due to the tremendous response, two entries will be selected from India for each category. A 200,000 INR prize for the top apps at the India level. Post that there is a further selection at the APAC level where the prize money is USD 10,000 and finally the best apps get USD 25,000 at Barcelona. Nokia will help these application developers to showcase their applications at the Mobile Congress in Barcelona and arrange for meetings with various venture capitalists and help in marketing and promotions."

Nokia is meeting and interacting with interested developers in Bangalore on the 10th of December 2008. Click here to register for Nokia developer event.