Application Deadline: August 14, 2020
Submissions are open for the WorldBank Group Mission Billion Challenge Global Prize 2020. This Global Prize seeks solutions that address gender equality and inclusion of vulnerable populations by putting all people at the heart of identification systems.
The World Bank’s Mission Billion Challenge is seeking innovative solutions to increase inclusion and access to digital platforms such as identification systems. This challenge will crowdsource solutions to make ID systems more accessible and responsive to the needs of vulnerable persons, such as informal workers, particularly at a time when countries seek to leverage digital technologies and platforms to shift services to online channels and deliver cash relief to persons affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mission Billion Challenge winners are eligible to receive a total prize of up to $150,000, participate in a high-level event at the World Bank, and receive mentorship and support from Google Developers Experts.
Prizes
1. GLOBAL PRIZE: How can countries ensure that everyone—especially vulnerable groups—are able to apply/register for an ID in a way that protects people’s health and the integrity of the ID system? How can countries ensure that digital authentication mechanisms in low connectivity environments are accessible and user-friendly for vulnerable populations to facilitate remote access to services and benefits?
2. WURI WEST AFRICA PRIZE: How can informal sector workers in West Africa more easily participate in social protection programs?
Benefits
• Finalists will be invited to a high-level event in Washington, D.C. to present their solutions or ideas in front of distinguished judges, in a high-level event at the World Bank, and receive mentorship and support from Google Developers Experts.
• A total of US$150,000 in cash prizes are available.
Eligibility
The Challenge is open to Contestants from member countries of the World Bank.
1. Individuals, including academics, entrepreneurs, scientists, technologists and other engaged citizens.
2. Organizations involved in research, advocacy, design and implementation of digital ID systems, digital payment or social protection systems.
Please note:
• Individuals must be of at least 18 years of age at time of entry
• Organizations must be legally established entities (profit, non-profit, academic) in their respective countries.
The Global Prize is seeking solutions that address these specific needs:
• How can countries ensure that everyone—especially vulnerable groups—are able to apply/register for an ID in a way that protects people’s health and the integrity of the ID system?
• How can countries ensure that digital authentication mechanisms—which often require smartphones, computers and/or internet access—are accessible and user-friendly for marginalized and vulnerable populations to facilitate remote access to services and benefits?
Judging Criteria
• Alignment: The solution addresses the challenge that has been set forth.
• Context Appropriateness: The solution takes into account the context of developing countries, including low to no connectivity in some areas and little formal technical training among individuals, as well as low literacy and numeracy levels.
• Scalability and Ease of Use: The solution can easily be scaled to affect the lives of millions of people.
• Feasibility: It is feasible to implement the solution, and the team has a plan for the solution to sustain itself after implementation.
• Innovative Approach: This is a new technology, a new application of a technology, or a new process for solving the challenge.
Submission
• Submissions must be in the format provided in the MIT Solve platform.
• Contestants may submit more than one Submission. However, Submissions must not be substantially similar to a prior Submission by the same Contestant.
• Each Submission must be in English, or if in a language other than English, the Submission must be accompanied by an English translation of the full text.
For more information, visit Global Prize. Visit the West Africa Prize.
