This Vodafone Wireless Innovation Project seeks to identify and fund the best innovations using wireless-related technology to address critical social issues around the world. United States-based non-profit charity organisations and universities are eligible to apply. The Vodafone Americas Foundation will award three prizes of US$300,000, US$200,000, and US$100,000 for unique, late-stage wireless innovations that offer the best potential for creating social change in the areas of education, health, economic development, the environment, and access to communication.

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Criteria include the following:

• The project must propose an innovation in wireless technology to address a critical global issue in one or more of the following issue areas: education, health, access to communication, the environment or economic development.
• The wireless innovation must demonstrate a significant advancement in wireless technology.
• The project must be at a stage of research where an advanced prototype or field/market test can occur during the award period.
• Early-stage research, or ready-to-launch products, will not be considered.
• Projects must involve an established multi-disciplinary team that provides the expertise needed for a comprehensive solution to the targeted problem. For example, a team may consist of members from two or more of the following disciplines: engineering, design, business, international development, or other relevant disciplines. A team may also consist of university-based researchers and non-profit organisations working in such areas as international development, health, or environment.
• Projects must demonstrate potential for replication and large-scale impact.
• Projects must present a business plan or demonstration of financial sustainability.
• Applicants must be either (a) US nonprofit corporation or trust that is tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3) and that is a public charity (not a private foundation) or (b) a US university, including a university department, university-based research centre, university-based entrepreneurship or technology innovation centre that is legally part of the university. Project team participants may not be an employee of the Vodafone Americas Foundation, Vodafone Group Plc or any entity in which Vodafone Group Plc holds, directly or indirectly, a shareholding or interest of 20% or more or has the right to exercise, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of the voting rights (collectively, the "Vodafone Entities").

The Vodafone-US website and email from Brittany Hinchliff to The Communication Initiative on October 8 2009.