The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has made the last call for submission of entries into the 2017 edition of the ACIA Awards as the deadline draws closer.
The awards which are held on an annual basis aim to foster innovation in the country through the recognition and reward of outstanding ICT innovations.
Launched in 2010, UCC through the initiative has recognized and empowered a number of innovations, most of which have gone ahead to earn international recognition.
According to UCC officials, the submission of entries which was opened in November 2016 is set to close on Saturday April 15th.
Interested innovators can send submit their entries via the Commission’s website (ucc.co.ug/awards ) before the deadline date to eligible for consideration.
During the launch of this year’s edition, UCC Manager Consumer Affairs, Ibrahim Bbossa said this edition will focus more on new innovators; those that haven’t been in the contest before.
Bboosa further said that innovators will have an amazing experience with the panelists as they have workshops, lone time with panelists and visiting different incubators to pitch new ideas.
The awards will feature different award categories including Youth ICT Innovations, Business excellence, ICT for development, Digital content, and the 2017 special award.
The Young ICT Innovators category targets the youth and has 3 subcategories in which they can participate; Primary, secondary and University.
The Primary and Secondary School students compete first at a regional level and winners at this stage advance to compete nationally.
Over the past months, the commission has conducted regional tours in different schools where innovations were showcased and winners will be allowed to compete nationally.
UCC publicist Pamela Ankunda also confirmed to ChimpReports that the submissions at University level were completed and closed.
The Business Excellence award will recognize the most innovative locally developed ICT solution aimed at improving the performance of an organization (small, medium or large) in terms of efficiency, effectiveness or both.
ICT for Development award will recognize the best ICT solution that has been developed to address any of Uganda’s challenges in Education, Health, Agriculture, Environment sustainability, Government services, ICTs for the disadvantaged, and the advancement of women.
Digital Content award will recognize the most innovative approaches in the compilation of local text, images – including video, or sound into a program, application or product that enhances the value and use of communication platforms in Uganda.