Vodafone has announced the finalists for its inaugural Vodafone Techstarter awards. Vodafone Techstarter has been developed in partnership with the Vodafone Foundation, Vodafone’s charitable arm; and Social Tech Trust, a supporter of socially motivated tech ventures.

The twelve shortlisted organisations, both profit and not-for-profit, all have prototype ideas with a clearly defined social purpose. The ventures exploit a range of technologies from mobile apps to the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain.

The finalists are: Alexandra Rose Charity, Code 4000 UK CIC, Full Fact, The Church of England’s Children’s Society, The Integrate Agency CIC, Wayfindr, BfB Labs, Good.Loop Ltd, Lettus Grow, BlakBear Ltd, Walk With Path Ltd and Alice SI Ltd. 

In addition to sharing a prize fund of £300K, winners will benefit from access to industry and technology expertise from Vodafone and the Social Tech Trust, enabling them to take their innovations from prototype to market readiness. This will include coaching, commercial development support, mentorship, investment and partnership advice. 

Anne Sheehan, Enterprise Director at Vodafone UK said, “we believe some of the biggest challenges in society can be addressed using technology and innovation. Vodafone Techstarter is about recognising and celebrating how UK start-ups are helping shape society for the better; we want to empower small businesses to truly make a difference in society. I’m really excited to meet the finalists and see first-hand the impact their ideas and innovations could have.”

Ed Evans, CEO of Social Tech Trust added, “it’s fantastic to see such an inspiring group of social tech innovations make the Vodafone Techstarter shortlist.  All of them are driven by social purpose and are making a positive contribution to people’s lives.  We look forward to working with the winning teams to help them grow and scale their social impact.”

The Vodafone Techstarter winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 7th February.