SLASSCOM INGENUITY AWARDS - CATEGORIES AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Timeline



• Call for applications: January 13th 2020 - March 5th 2021
• Announcement of nominees: March 19th 2021
• Awards Ceremony: March 30th 2021

Eligibility Criteria / Submission Requirements

(1) Best Product Innovation

Have you created a killer product/IP that has the potential to yield 100x on the investment?

Needed information

• Profile of Product
• Brochures and Datasheets on Product
• A 1000 word write up on why your product is innovative in your particular industry and a 5-minute video/screencast (optional) on the same
• Details on the product's commercial release and acceptance (if already commercialized)

Eligibility Criteria



• Eligible to apply are Companies & Startups. (Check below for specifics on eligibility)
• A product that addresses a burning issue in a unique and innovative way
• Idea generates enthusiasm from potential clients, investors, and other stakeholders
• Given solution has not been used or recognized in any other product or the proposed solution solves the problem in a unique and innovative way
• The proposed solution adds value to the target user segment
• The proposed solution is viable and useful
• The proposed solution can be implemented practically

(2) Best Disruptor Award

Have you launched a game-changing product/service in the last two years?

Needed information

• Profile of Product
• Brochures and Datasheets on Product
• If Individual - need a profile of the individual
• A 1000 word write up on why your product is innovative in your particular industry and a 5-minute video/screencast (optional) on the same
• Details on the product's commercial release or details on the MVP (if already commercialized)
• The product must have been launched after 1st January 2018. (Note: This cannot be a re-branding or a new version of an existing product launched prior to 2018)

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible to apply are Companies, Startups and Individuals. (Check below for specifics on eligibility)
• The proposed solution changes either a product direction, business model or a value proposition
• The solution has already created or can potentially create a new market/industry
• The solution has already changed or can potentially change the current industry dynamics
• The product/service is resilient to the selected market segment
• The product/service is technology proof for at least next three years

(3) Best Client Delivery Innovation

Has your client celebrated/recognized your innovation?

Needed information

• Profile of Innovation and Delivery made to client
• A 1000 word write up on your innovation for your client/industry and a 5-minute video/screencast (optional) of the same
• Client testimonials supporting the innovation including tangible proof such as efficiency reports or any other reports that can prove the effectiveness of the innovation

Eligibility Criteria



• Companies & Startups which are currently serving Local & International clients are eligible to apply. (Check below for specifics on eligibility)
• A product or service that addresses a current issue in a unique and innovative way as an alternative solution.
• Given solution has not been used or recognized in any other product/services or the proposed solution solves the problem in a unique and innovative way
• The proposed solution adds value to the target user segment
• The proposed solution can be implemented practically and idea is viable
• The proposed solution is a long term and easy to implement

(4) Best Innovation in Internal Processes

Have you innovated an internal process to produce outstanding results?

Needed information

• A 1000 word write up and a 5-minute video/screencast (optional) on the innovation you have done in your internal processes. How have you changed your internal processes? What changes have you seen after changing these processes? What are the tangible benefits of adopting this change? How has this changed directly affected the profitability and efficiency of your organization? 
• Please provide figures and reports to corroborate the information provided

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible to apply are Companies & Startups. (Check below for specifics on eligibility)
• New process has changed how organization has previously worked in an effective way
• Interconnection between the steps in the proposed process is clear and shows a proper flow
• Interactions with external parties have been simplified to reduce time and effort required from external parties.
• New process has created more transparency and better metrics generation.
• Time and effort required to perform the activity has been reduced by at least 10%.
• All KPIs used to measure the success of the process improvement are properly documented and available for evaluation.

(5) Best Technology or Framework Innovation

Have you produced or defined the frameworks of your industry?

Needed information

• A 1000 word write up and a 5 minute video/screencast (optional)to justify

        - What is the technology that you are developing and how?

        - Why you believe this an innovative technology

• Brochures or datasheets of the technology and your adaptation
• Submit links and copies of any journalistic articles highlighting your innovation in your particular industry
• Is the technology/framework in an emerging area of innovation i.e. AR, VR, Machine Learning, AI and/or Blockchain
• Link to demo of product (even a test version would be fine

Eligibility Criteria



• Eligible to apply are Companies & Startups. (Check below for specifics on eligibility)
• Framework is changing the human lifestyle, business process or the way technology is used.
• New Framework provides appropriate integration points to be used with existing technologies with relevant documentation.
• New Framework brings in proven cost efficiencies over existing frameworks or similar technologies which can be backed by data.
• At least one practical usage can be showcased with real use over 3 months.

(6) Best Startup

Have you launched a game-changing Startup?

Needed information

• Profile of Product
• Brochures and Datasheets on Product
• A 1000 word write up on why your product is innovative in your particular industry and a 5 minute video / screencast (optional) on same
• Details on the product's commercial release or details of the MVP

Eligibility Criteria



• Eligible to apply are Startups only. (Check below for specifics on eligibility)
• Have identified a business critical problem and can be considered as a burning issue
• Proposed solution (Product or Service) is novel and practical
• Potentially viable solution
• The solution is competitive enough to enter into the market
• The startup has proven to make profit or potential business for the future
• Has a proper business plan or proven business entry already
• Has a proper go-to market strategy or proven already
• Has a better understanding about the future financial needs and investment plans

(7) Best Innovation in Business Process Management

Do you know your client's business process better than they do?

Needed information

• A 1000 word write up and a 5-minute video/screencast (optional) on the innovation. How has your innovation helped your client or customer?
• Further documentation such as brochures and datasheets on the process improvement service
• Supporting customer testimonials on the effectiveness of the service and the value provided
• This category is for companies exclusively engaged in BPM,KPO,LPO and FAO Services

Eligibility Criteria



• Companies and Startups which are under the BPM / Shared Services category are eligible to apply. (Check below for specifics on eligibility)
• The product or service that addresses a current issue in a unique and innovative way (as an alternative solution)
• Given solution has not been used or recognized in any other product/services or the proposed solution solves the problem in a unique and innovative way
• The proposed solution adds value through cost savings/productivity and improves average handling time (AHT)
• The solution is viable and practical
• The proposed solution is a long term and easy to implement

(8) Best Innovative Product / Project - University

Have you created a product or have an IT related project which has the potential to turn in to a killer product / project in future?

Needed information

• A 750 word (maximum) write up and on the innovation 

How has your innovation helped to solve a problem?

Why do you believe this an innovative solution?

How do you differentiate your solution from other similar solutions available? 

What is the technology that you have used for the development?

Is the technology / framework in an emerging area of innovation i.e. AR, VR, Machine Learning, AI and/or Blockchain?

How can this be turned into a commercial product / project?

What further improvements can you do to this product / project?

5 minute video / screencast demonstrating the product / project (optional)

Eligibility Criteria



• For Individuals or Teams of maximum of 5 students members (Preferred to have at least one female member)
• Students from the following Institutes who follow up to bachelor's degree (or similar level) are eligible:

Government Universities managed by UGC

Private Tertiary Education Institutes

VTA

• Have identified a burning issue/problem and solved it in a unique way
• Given solution clearly addresses the problem 
• The idea is viable and useful for the target segment
• The product has a potential future market

(9) Best Innovative Product / Project - School

Have you created a product or have an ICT / Technology related project which has the potential to turn in to a killer product / project in future?

Needed information

• A 500 (maximum) word write up and on the innovation 

How has your innovation helped to solve a problem?

Why do you believe this an innovative solution?

How do you differentiate your solution from other similar solutions available? 

What is the technology that you have used for the development?

How can this be turned into a commercial product / project?

What further improvements can you do to this product / project?

• 5 minute (maximum) video / screencast demonstrating the product / project (optional)

Eligibility Criteria



• For Individuals or Teams of maximum 5 students 
• Students born in the year 2007 or earlier are eligible
• Current students from government and private/international schools are eligible
• Have identified a burning issue/problem and solved it in a unique way
• Given solution clearly addresses the problem 
• The idea is viable and useful for the target segment
• The product has a potential future market

(10) Emerging Woman Technopreneur of the Year

Have you launched a game-changing product/service in the last two years?

Needed information

Profile of the company and its products/services

Documentation/narrative covering the following aspects:

• The problem tackled by the product/service and benefit/solution to end-user
• Videos, brochures and any other supporting marketing and pricing material for clients
• Examples of customer engagement stories, and impact to their businesses, etc.
• How technology has been used innovatively to improve the product/service and take it to market
• Any documentation related to IP filings or a potential plan to develop IP in the future
• Number of jobs created
• Contributions or engagement by the company to women in the workforce, women in the region, and other women entrepreneurs and women-led businesses
• Revenue generated and potentials 

5-minute video (optional)of the applicant outlining her own journey, highlighting:

• An overview of the progress of her company so far, and how she has brought together or developed innovative solution/s
• Who the team is and a sense of their spirit and journey
• The contributions she has made to the success of the company
• How she feels as a woman technopreneur in Sri Lanka, what challenges she has overcome, and how she currently supports or would like to support other women entrepreneurs
• Where she hopes to take the company in the future

Eligibility Criteria

• For Individuals (female) only. No age restriction of the applicant.
• Should be a Founder or a Co-founder or Senior Decision Maker (holds a stake in the company - CMO, CTO, etc) of a company started after 1st January 2018
• The innovation must have been sold to its launch customer or achieved market-ready status in the 24 months preceding the submission date
• Applicant should not have launched and/or successfully exited a venture prior to the product/service under evaluation in this submission
• The product/service should show significant use of technological innovation in product design, user experience, etc. that gives it an edge in product competitiveness, and potential for growth, market prospects, and play a leading role in its particular sector 

General Eligibility Criteria for Applicant categories

• Attendees from all backgrounds, genders, and geographies in Sri Lanka are welcome to participate in this competition.
• Applicants may submit the required information in Sinhala, Tamil or English.

Companies Category

•  Any registered company in Sri Lanka
•  The location of the company is decided by the address indicated in the business registration.

Startup Category

• Start-up Company is an Information and Communication Technology company that develops an innovative and potentially superior ICT product but the company itself is still considered  at the early stage of inception   
• Should be a business Registered in Sri Lanka after 1st January 2016. If not it should be  a  registered startup with "Startup SL"  
• Should be an independent entity and not part of a conglomerate
• Having some percentage of local ownership is a must 

University Category

• A signed letter or email (sent to ia@slasscom.lk) from the Department Head verifying the originality of the student's work will be required. The verification letter should objectively set forth the extent to which the student exercised independence and originality

School Category

•  A signed letter email (sent to ia@slasscom.lk) from the Principal / Deputy Principal verifying the originality of the student's work will be required. The verification letter should objectively set forth the extent to which the student exercised independence and originality

Notes:

1. A processing fee will be charged per entry in any category as follows

• Schools - Free
• Universities - LKR 500 + 8% VAT
• Startups    - LKR 2500 + 8% VAT (Only the Best Startup category)
• Companies  - LKR 5000 + 8% VAT

2. Your content should be within the word counts/time limits specified.

3. Please indicate a single point of contact we can correspond with during the nomination and selection stages.

5. The Awards Committee has the right to not award a winner for a category if a suitable candidate is not available within the submissions received.

6. Application submission process is completed once the entry payments are made.

7.Please make your application fee via a bank transfer/cheque or Credit/Debit cards (Online) to SLASSCOM before the 5th of March 2021 and submit your application.

 Cheque should be drawn in favor of SLASSCOM and crossed account payee only.

  Bank Account Name   : SLASSCOM (GUARANTEE) LIMITED

   Bank Account Number : 101000053822

   Bank Name           : National Development Bank PLC (NDB)

   Bank Address         : 103A, Dharmapala mawatha, Colombo-07

   Bank Code            : 7214

   Branch Code          : 100

   Swift Code            :NDBSLKLX

Bank Transfer: Please send a scanned copy of the Deposit slip/payment slip as an evidence to shehana@slasscom.lk

All payments can be made online. For assistance contact Prasanna on 0777 337 037 / prasanna@slasscom.lk