Dialog Innovation Challenge witnessed an outstanding response, garnering over 1200 applications nationwide. This remarkable turnout reflects the strong engagement in the national initiative, which is dedicated towards fostering digital transformation and shaping the digital future of the nation.
With a call to all Sri Lankans, the challenge garnered 1279 applications from diverse age groups and categories, including school students, university students, SMEs/startups, and the general public. The challenge invited innovative minds and visionaries to contribute towards enriching lives through technology-driven solutions. Solutions at any stage of completion were welcome, leveraging digital technologies like AI, machine learning, IoT, blockchain, and more. Registrations are now closed, and the anticipated timeline for announcing shortlisted applicants is early February.
Participants have the chance to win from a prize pool of Rs. 5 million and opportunity for selected winners to pitch for a part of the 500Mn DIF (Dialog Innovation Fund) investment fund, along with invaluable mentorship and access to Dialog’s extensive innovation ecosystem.
Tech luminaries and industry leaders from partner organisations, including The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), The National Innovation Agency (NIA), The Sri Lanka Inventors Commission (SLIC), Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Digital Marketing Association of Sri Lanka (DMASL), Dialog Innovation Fund, Lanka Angel Network, Innovation Foundry, and Ideamart, will provide mentorship, connecting participants with stakeholders, investors, and partners.
A distinguished panel of judges is presently engaged in a meticulous evaluation of every submission, employing a rigorous point system to ensure that no exceptional idea goes unnoticed.
Submisions that exceed the cutoff mark will be extended an invitation to showcase a 5-minute video, offering a comprehensive demonstration of their innovative solutions. The judges will conduct a thorough analysis of these presentations, selecting the top 25 applicants to progress to the subsequent round.
This selected cohort will undergo a comprehensive mentorship programme aimed at refining their solutions in both technical and business domains, equipping them for success in the semi-finals.
