Upcoming Competitions, Awards and Challenges

Here is a summary of some interesting opportunities for our readers:

1.The Great Indian Developer Award: “The Great Indian Developer Awards 2008 recognizes trailblazing individuals, technologies, and organizations contributing to the evangelism, productivity and innovation excellence of the Indian developer ecosystem.” [Source: PluGGd.in] Go here to vote.

2. TIE-Canaan Entrepreneurial Challenge 2008: “Canaan Partners and TIE, today announced the launch of the TIE-Canaan Entrepreneurial Challenge 2008, a business plan competition open to early stage entrepreneurs from across the country.” [Source: PluGGd.in] Deadline for submission is May 12th, go here to submit. A template for a b-plan can be found here.

3. YouthActionNet Global Fellowship Program: “Launched in 2001 by the International Youth Foundation, YouthActionNet strengthens, supports, and celebrates the role of young people in leading positive change in their communities. Each year, 20 exceptional young social entrepreneurs are selected as YouthActionNet Global Fellows following a competitive application process.” [Source: Let Me Know] Deadline is May 12th, go here for the application. (Santhosh posted on this fellowship previously here).

4. BiD “Entrepreneurship in Development” Photo Contest: “In this Photo Contest, BiD is focusing on entrepreneurs around the world who are working for innovative changes towards sustainable economic growth in developing countries. You can submit your photos to the competition by simply uploading your image on www.bidnetwork.org. To do so, you must be registered as a member of bidnetwork.org first.” [Source: Nextbillion.net] Deadline April 30th, go here for website.

Apply for the 2008 YouthActionNet Fellowship

From the YouthActionNet Website:

Each year, YouthActionNet selects 20 young social entrepreneurs to
participate in its Global Fellowship Program. These accomplished young
leaders are distinguished by their records for success in achieving
positive change in their communities, by their innovative approaches,
and by their ability to mobilize their peers and community members in
support of their social change visions.

The program is open to all young people between the ages of 18 and 29.
Applicants should be founders of existing projects/organizations or
leading a project within an organization. Proficiency in English is
required; applications must be submitted in English. Applicants also
must be available to attend the full retreat, November 1-8, 2008, in
Washington, D.C.

One of the 2007 fellows is Abhishek Bharadwaj, the founder of Alternative Realities. Here is a note from Karmayog.org explaining what the organization does:

Alternative Realities was started by Abhishek Bharadwaj in Mumbai to
address issues of identity, health, livelihood and shelter for the
homeless people in Mumbai. Using diverse methodologies such as street
theatre, studies, survey and research, Abhishek and his volunteers
sensitize the civil society towards the issue, negotiate with other
organizations and institutions to use their existing infrastructure as
night shelters, and arrange access to medical facilities for the
homeless.

Abhishek Bharadwaj did not look for a job after he graduated from the
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in 2004. Instead, he spent
time with homeless people living on the streets, under bridges, and in
makeshift shelters in Mumbai, India. According to him, Mumbai has at
least 100,000 homeless people.