That’s why we launched the second Google Impact Challenge in June, inviting Aussie non-profit organisations to submit their ideas on how they could use technology to solve a problem and make an impact.
Today, we’re announcing the ten Google Impact Challenge finalists and inviting you to vote for the project you think will have the most impact.
The ten finalists are:
- The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation with community driven literacy apps designed to preserve indigenous languages.
- Australian Marine Environment Protection Association (AUSMEPA) with an information repository to drive emissions transparency within the shipping industry.
- Great Barrier Reef Foundation with a low-cost, autonomous robot designed to monitor, map, manage and preserve coral reef ecosystems.
- Hello Sunday Morning with a personalised support app to help people with alcohol problems.
- Justice Connect with a web portal that connects individuals and communities to pro bono legal services.
- The Nature Conservancy Australia with mobile technology to protect global fish stocks and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
- World Vision Australia with a network of innovative heat-sensing fire detectors designed to save lives in Bangladesh.
- The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre with a smartphone app to help parents identify childhood autism.
- Center for Eye Research Australia Limited with an eyesight self-assessment system for Australians in remote areas.
- The George Institute for Global Health with a SMS-based support service to help people with chronic diseases lead healthier lives.
These projects stood out for their ideas to use technology to make a big impact on important causes - ranging from better monitoring the Great Barrier Reef to connecting those in need with pro bono legal support. Now it’s your turn to vote for the project you think will have the most impact.
On October 26, a judging panel including David Gonski, Lucy Turnbull, Layne Beachley, Melissa Doyle, Dr Larry Marshall, Jacquelline Fuller and myself, will select three awardees. The fourth will be chosen based on your votes! Find more information and vote now at g.co/australiachallenge.
The four winning submissions will receive a $750,000 grant plus support from Google volunteers to help make each project a reality. The other six finalists will receive $250,000 each, as well as mentoring to kickstart their projects.
This year, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will make up to four further grants of $500,000 available for projects focused on making an impact internationally. The DFAT Technology Against Poverty Prize is provided by innovationXchange and encourages non-profits registered in Australia to explore new ways of delivering social impact internationally, using technology.
You’ve got until 25 October 2016 to cast your vote and support Australian non-profits using technology to tackle some of the world’s biggest social challenges. Get involved!