Have you ever been in a situation where you think, “I wish I had a mobile phone app that would do ___________”?

The Internews Center for Innovation and Learning (CIL) challenges you to fill in the blank with your idea for a mobile app that will improve communication flows and the access and exchange of information.

All of you are working in environments where mass communication is inhibited in some way. We are interested in creative technology solutions to information gathering and dissemination challenges.

CIL wants staff and partners to think outside the box. What are some real life examples in which communication and information flows were blocked? Could a certain app have fixed the problem? Work with your partner organizations and regional Innovation Advisors to develop innovative concepts to address this challenge. Be sure to keep platform your users have in mind (iOS, Android, Java, etc.

The app doesn't necessarily have to be for journalists or media organizations. It can be for human rights defenders to report violations, freedom of expression lawyers to form a virtual community or any other actors involved in the new communications landscape. We are interested in apps that solve a problem or challenge that is best addressed through the use of a mobile device.

Once you have an idea, or even if you are just considering participating and want more information, contact your regional Innovation Advisor:

Denis Gursky- Europe & Eurasia: dgurskyy@internews.org

Your Innovation Advisor will be available to bounce ideas off of, refine concepts and general encouragement along the way. They will be in touch with you on how to submit your formal app ideas at the end of October.

All applications must be submitted by November 30 at midnight, EST. The winning apps ideas will be announced in early December and the development will begin in January. The top three winners will receive a smartphone.