1 February 2012: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Telefónica have launched two challenges for the creation of new mobile applications (or “apps”) that address the issue of sustainable energy for all. The challenges seek to uncover innovative information and communication technology (ICT) approaches to support the 2012 International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.

The first challenge is the “Green ICT Hackathon,” which will take place from 28-29 February 2012, during the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. A “hackathon” is an application-development marathon where developers compete to create innovative apps within a defined timeframe. The purpose of the Green ICT Hackathon is to provide an opportunity for developers from all over the world to compete in proposing and developing an ICT app that has sustainable energy as its core. The winner and runner-up of the hackaton will receive cash prizes of US$3000 and US$2000, respectively, in order to stimulate further development of the most promising apps. The awards will be made on 29 February, during the Mobile World Congress.

The second challenge is the “2nd Green ICT Application Challenge,” which invites innovative concept papers for ICT applications that support sustainable energy for all. The concept paper should describe or include the design of a new ICT application that would help combat climate change and reduce global energy intensity. It should also include an implementation plan for the development of the application, together with an explanation of how the idea would help combat climate change and provide an ICT solution to environmental or sustainability issues. The deadline for submissions is 13 April 2012, and the winning entry will receive a cash prize of US$3000 at an award ceremony to take place during the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD or Rio+20) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2012. [ITU Press Release] [Competition Webpage]