What is the SM4E Awards and what does it aim to do?
Social Media has provided freedom of expression to people. It has become an empowering and growth tool in the world. With “Social Media for Development & Change”, Digital Empowerment Foundation is greeting the very spirit of social media and the potential it possess. This initiative will not only recognise and honor best social media initiatives for empowerment but also bring Social Media experts and government agents from 8 South Asian countries on one platform who will share their best practices and success stories with participants to inspire them.
The program is unique because it works out concrete ways to increase understanding, cooperation and peace among the region and give social media practitioners a platform to scale up their dreams. These awards benefit the communities with the fruit of ICT revolution through various workshops and action- oriented sessions which will prove helpful for them to gain full social inclusion and promote healthy and constructive communication among participating countries.
The main objectives of the program is to synergize efforts and dialogues on social media and how it can become an efficient tool for real work and inspire others to utilize it in bringing positive change. This awards will help to make a vast pool of talent of Social Media evangelists to share and feed knowledge so that decision making can be improved and recognize, honor and encourage best social media practices through “Social Media for Development & Change” Awards
Who is eligible for applying for this award?
The SM4E Awards is open to any of the following entities from any SAARC country provided the person, group of persons or organisation has implemented some digital intervention for development and empowerment of marginalised communities using mobile technology:
- Governments
- NGOs
- Individuals/Students
- Entrepreneurs
- Industry (Private Sector Companies/PSUs/Corporates)
- Academics and Academic institutions
What is the process of competing for the awards?
Nominations can only be submitted online at www.sm4e.org
Which SAARC countries are eligible to participate in the SM4E Awards?
All the eight SAARC countries can participate. These eight countries are:
- India
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- Maldives
- Bhutan
- Nepal
Can anyone not based in any one of the eight SAARC countries apply for the awards?
Yes, of course. Any project which has been developed or has the customer base/target market in any of the SAARC countries can apply for the award.
Is there any entry fee?
No, there is no entry fee. Any interested participant can apply, in multiple categories, following the guidelines.
Can I enter the awards if I am a previous winner?
Yes, but it should not be for the same winning project. Any previous winner can apply with a different project.
Will I be getting any acknowledgement receipt for my entry?
Yes, when any nominee submits complete nomination form along with all the supported documents/material, we send an acknowledgement receipt to the nominee.
Can I submit multiple nominations for different categories?
Yes, any Nominee can submit multiple products/projects for different categories.
Can I submit one project under 2 categories, if it fits?
No, one Nominee can apply under the best fit category and the project will be considered for that only. Same project cannot be submitted under 2 categories. But the Jury has the right to change the category of the project/product to ensure the ‘Best Fit’.
What is the process of withdrawing from the nominations?
Any nominee is required to send an email sm4e@defindia.org requesting the withdrawal from the award process quoting the reason for such withdrawal.
In what form is supporting material allowed?
Digital files may be submitted for all categories. Files in PowerPoint, Word, Excel, PDF are allowed & videos, audios in .wmv format. Kindly visit the Guidelines section to know the required supported documents.
Can I send the supporting material later after submitting the nomination form?
Yes, any nominee can send the supporting material to the given email address within two days of submitting the nomination form online. The SM4E Awards Secretariat will send a mail regarding the same.
Will my supporting material/shared material remain confidential & returned to me?
Any information or material related to the products/projects & organisation will remain confidential & will not be shared with any external entity. On request, the material will be given back to the nominee after the final presentation before the Grand Jury.
When will the judging process start?
The process of evaluation commences from the date of closing of nominations. Entries will be judged on the predefined evaluation criteria.
What are the evaluation criteria for the product/project?
Content & Services – Quantify the quality of content and services delivery, relevance of content and its utility value
Impact & Sustainability – The social impact & the commercial viability of the application/product.
Functionality/Navigation – User friendliness & interactive nature of the application & its features.
Interface & Visual Design – Usability as well as the Design of applications and devices having larger user preference, aesthetic value with multimedia.
USP & Strategic Value – Uniqueness of the idea & the easiness of strategy replication.
Execution & Implementation – Procedures of carrying out & executing the innovation, idea according to the market demand.
Accessibility – Cost effectiveness matching social and economic capital of different user groups with diverse needs in different income brackets.
Overall Experience – The user base & overall user experience regarding the application/content.
Is it mandatory to fill all the fields in the nomination form?
It is necessary for the participant to fill all the fields that are marked as mandatory or else the form will be considered as incomplete and might be rejected. In any case, however, we suggest that you give as much information about your nominated project as possible to facilitate proper evaluation by the Jury members.
When will the shortlisted projects be announced?
After the Grand Jury is over, the shortlisted nominations are contacted individually through email/phone from the SM4E Awards Secretariat.
When will we know about the final results?
Final Results will be declared during the Award Gala on the final event day, scheduled in April
Is setting up a stall mandatory for all the finalists/nominees?
Yes, we encourage all, particularly the shortlisted nominations, to put up their stalls during the final event so that their outreach is maximised and there is greater networking amongst them and all the industry stakeholders attending.
What is the time limit of the presentation on final event day?
Five minutes will be given to the participant to present the project (excluding 3 minutes of interactive query session).
Is there any mandatory query session after presentation?
Yes, after the presentation there is a Query session. Judges as well as the audience can ask questions from the presenter on their presentation or the product.
Will I get the transport/accommodation facility?
No, we request you to please make the necessary arrangements on your own. We can facilitate you in terms of suggesting the accommodation nearby the venue.
Who is eligible to apply for volunteering for the final event?
Any person who has interest in SM4E Awards is welcome to volunteer for the final event.
Is there any certificate given to Volunteers?
Yes, certificates for volunteering will be provided to the volunteers from Digital Empowerment Foundation. Some token money is also given to the best performing volunteer.
What are the date and timings for the SM4E Awards 2017?
April (Date to be decided)
By when can we register online to attend Awards Gala?
Online registration is open till April.
What does the registration charge include?
It includes:
- Delegate kit (with all information collaterals)
- Meals (available at venue)
- Attendee pass to all sessions plus Exhibition
If I am not a nominee, how can I get a speaker slot at the event?
Please write to us at a sm4e@defindia.org requesting for getting a speaker slot. Please attach the brief profile of the person who wishes to speak at the event.
Can Press & Media attend these awards?
Yes, Press & Media are welcome to the final event day to cover the best practices in use of mobile technology for development. There are 2 free passes available for the Press & Media. Please carry your ID card.
How do I contact someone at the SM4E Awards?
You need to write to us at sm4e@defindia.org informing us of your interest in the subject line of the mail. Our team will contact you within 2 working days.
How does my company join the SM4E Awards?
To join the SM4E Awards, please register yourself online from Dec, 2016 onwards.
Are there sponsorship opportunities within the SM4E Awards?
Yes. The SM4E Awards has several sponsorship and promotional opportunities available from Jan 2017 onwards. To know our current sponsorship details, please contact sm4e@defindia.org
