Seize this opportunity to identify leading technology innovators for international development! Tech Awards has extended their deadline for nominations to April 10, asking anyone engaged in addressing social and economic challenges around the world to collaborate by naming visionary technology thinkers and actors whose ideas can create more efficient, sustainable development projects.

In January, USAID formed a partnership with The Tech Awards (www.techawards.org), a signature program of The Tech Museum of Innovation.  USAID cultivated this partnership as part of an integrated strategy driven by the Global Development Commons to harness innovations in international development and use them to improve the agency's work.  Through the partnership, USAID is helping The Tech Awards seek technological innovations being applied to pressing social and economic challenges around the world. 

Each year The Tech Awards identifies 25 Laureates from around the world in the categories of environment, economic development, education, equality, and health.  One project in each category receives $50,000 from The Tech Awards. All Laureates gain valuable networking opportunities. In the past, several of the honored projects have been USAID-funded or from existing USAID partners, but USAID's role in their work has often not been clear.

If you are a USAID employee, this is your chance to change that. Please identify innovative technology partners and programs, especially in the field, that deserve visibility and attention for their good work.  The alliance between USAID and The Tech Awards will support and promote innovative individuals, companies and organizations that use technology to improve the impact of international development efforts.

Please nominate Tech Laureates through April 10 at http://www.techawards.org/nominate/form/step1.php.  If you are a USAID employee, be sure to note on the nomination form.

Nominate Tech Laureates today at http://www.techawards.org/nominate/form/step1.php.