A Global Challenge

The World Bank announced the launch of its first ever Apps for Development Competition in October 2010, as part of its Open Data Initiative. Software developers and development professionals around the world were invited to use the recently opened World Bank data to create applications to help solve the world's most pressing problems.

A Global Response

The world responded with 107 applications submitted from 36 countries across every continent; more than half came from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The apps use a wide variety of World Bank data, including information about health, the environment, children absent from school, agricultural land data, gender statistics, population growth, and mortality rate, among other data. The apps range from SMS services to apps for an iPhone, and include games aimed at children, as well as educational and statistical modeling tools. The 107 eligible entries are now available for use on the Apps for Development website. 

Awards and Expo

Watch as the winners are revealed in the Awards Ceremony, and see live interviews with the developers as they show us their winning apps.
1:00–2:00 Expo
2:00–2:30  Awards Ceremony
2:30 – 3:30 Expo and Reception

Prizes

A total of $55,000 will be awarded in cash prizes to the competition winners. An expert judging panel has selected winners for the First, Second, and Third Prizes, 10 Honorable Mentions, and a Large Organization Recognition Award. The winner of the Popular Choice Award will also be announced.

Judges

The expert judging panel includes such technology gurus as Craig Newmark of Craigslist, Kannan Pashupathy from Google, and Ory Okolloh, co-founder of Ushahidi.

What the world is saying

Some of the tech blogs picked it up including Mashable: "World Bank Opens Data Catalogue for Social Good Competition", ReadWriteWeb: "The Apps Are Here: World Bank Apps for Development Challenge Now Open For Voting", and Forbes: World Bank Apps for Development Challenge Unveiled".
 

Media Contact Egex@worldbank.org to attend or use our press line for enquiries: 202-473-7600

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