ITU Takes ITU Digital World Awards Online for 2020 to Support Innovative Tech SMEs
Aug. 19, 2020 -- The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has opened applications for the ITU Digital World SME Virtual Awards 2020, which will take place online for the first time. The awards will help innovative small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) hone pitching skills, showcase solutions, make key connections, foster investment and gain valuable United Nations recognition, all by virtual means.
- Connectivity
- Smart cities, smart living
- E-health
- Digital finance
"The COVID-19 crisis has underlined the importance of digital technologies in our lives, and now, more than ever, fast-moving, responsive and innovative tech SMEs need our help to keep their creative ideas flowing. I therefore encourage talented SMEs from across the globe to enter the ITU Digital World SME Virtual Awards, and benefit from this valuable platform of knowledge sharing, networking and visibility", said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao.
Speaking of the opportunities offered by the awards, the 2018 winner, Sabelo Sibanda, Co-Founder and CEO of Tuse Applications from South Africa, said: "Winning the award has given us unparalleled exposure, access to markets, finance and new opportunities - it has truly been a game changer for our business."
The deadline for applications is 5 October at midnight CET. Masterclasses for all eligible applicants will then take place in November 2020, followed by pitching sessions and the announcement of winners in December 2020.
Full information about the awards is available here, whereas further information on ITU Digital World 2021 can be found on this page.
About the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the specialized United Nations agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 193 Member States and a membership of over 900 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. For more information, visit: www.itu.int
Source: ITU
