community driven innovation

NetSquared, a project of TechSoup Global, has played an enormous role in my life over the last 20 months. MoveSmart.org was a featured project (finalist) in 2008’s N2Y3 Mashup Challenge, that same spring I was part of a large group that started Chicago NetTuesdays, and since the fall of 2008 I have worked as a contractor for NetSquared on various projects. It’s been amazing to see and participate in all facets of the project.

NetSquared has a unique approach to innovation prizes. We believe that they are just as much about community and collaboration as they are about competition. To that end, the project has produced the below white paper on what we’ve been referring to internally as our “special sauce”. Your comments and thoughts are encouraged.

N2Y4 Mobile Challenge and Conference

Save Your Seat: N2Y4 Mobile Challenge Conference is almost here!

The organizers of this year’s N2Y4 Mobile Challenge & Conference tell us there are still a few seats left for the 2-day event convening the best and brightest from an inter-disciplinary field of hackers, entrepreneurs, activists and philanthropists.  Be sure to get your seat today if you want to be part of this unique conference!

This year’s event convenes world-class speakers and (15) “Featured Projects” focused on innovations happening  in mobile field competing for $50k in cash-prizes.  Winners will be crowd-sourced from conference participants and receive cash-awards on day 2 of the event.

REGISTER here!

Still unsure? Here’s 3 ways participants dive into the mix with the N2Y4 Conference structure:

1. Tinkerers.  Are you challenged by lecture-formats?  No worries, share your expertise, or get involved in a hands-on session happening in the NetSquared Garage.

2. Kick the tires.  Do you need real-world case studies to help inform the way you think and develop your mobile projects?  Learn more about the technology, business plans and social-impact of (15) Projects who will be engaging with Funders and Entrepreneurs to defend their work’s potential and compete for ~$100k in cash-prizes.

3. Blow your mind.  +2billion people are carrying mobile phones every day.  The “State of Mobile” topical sessions will be facilitated by leaders in both the NGO and private-sector-sphere.  Sessions promise to cover leading theories and practices.
Hear from session-leaders share  use studies of mobile-technologies and projects that are solving real-world problems, and discuss the possibilities of what an increasingly ubiquitous mobile network means to the future of business and 21st century activism.

Conference Details:

Date:  Tuesday, May 26 & Wednesday, May 27
Location: Cisco Systems, San Jose, CA
Hotel: Visit N2Y4 for more info
Registration: REGISTER here!

See you in San Jose!