Google Impact Challenge to reward four social entrepreneurs with Rs. 3 crore each

Google will award Rs. 3 crore each to four innovative ideas of social entrepreneurs who are judged winners in a contest organised by the search giant on use technology in tackling various problems.

Inviting applications from Indian non-profits on how they would use technology to tackle problems in India and around the world, Google said, "Four submissions judged to be the best will each receive Rs. 3 crore and technical assistance from Google to help make their project a reality."

The company said that the initiative Google Impact Challenge in India is part of its ongoing social efforts.

"Applications open Monday and Indian non-profits are invited to apply online by September 5 a team from Google will review applications and announce 10 finalists on October 21. The public will then be invited to learn more about the top 10 finalists and cast a vote for their favourite projects," the release said.

The final event will take place on October 31. Google launched the Global Impact Awards in 2012 to support entrepreneurial non-profits with a tech idea for how to change the world.

Previous awardees have developed projects ranging from technology that allowed under-privileged students to access maths and science education to real-time sensors that help ensure people have better access to clean water, it said.

Google claimed that it every year gives away about USD 100 million in grants, USD 1 billion in free and discounted apps and ads, and 50,000 employee volunteer hours around the world.