Dialog Announces Strategic Partners for Groundbreaking National Innovation Challenge

Photographed left to right: Viranga Seneviratne, Senior General Manager of Ideamart, Dialog Axiata PLC, Arjun Jeger, Vice President, Digital Marketing Association of Sri Lanka, Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake, President, Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, Prof. Malik Ranasinghe, Chairman, Information and Communication Technology Agency, Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive, Dialog Axiata PLC, Sanath Senanayake, CEO/ Executive Director, Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing, Varatharaja Kumaragurru, Senior Programme Manager, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Cyril Suduwella, Commissioner, Sri Lanka Inventors Commission and Dr. Sachie Panawala, Additional Chief Innovation Officer, National Innovation Agency.

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, proudly announced its esteemed partners of the Dialog Innovation Challenge, an initiative towards developing scalable, innovative digital solutions that can spearhead nation-wide digital transformation.

The recent partner induction marks a significant milestone in this national endeavor, fostering collaboration across various sectors. The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) assumes the role of National Technology Partner, anchoring the challenge's technological foundation. Joining forces as Technology Ecosystem Partners are The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), The Sri Lanka Inventors Commission (SLIC), and The National Innovation Agency (NIA). As Business Knowledge Partners, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), and Digital Marketing Association of Sri Lanka (DMASL) bring unparalleled industry insight to the initiative.

Speaking on the partnership, Prof. Malik Ranasinghe, Chairman of The Information and Communication Technology Agency said, “On behalf of ICTA, we're delighted to partner with Dialog in the Innovation Challenge. Whether in the private or public sector, we believe in collaboration for positive outcomes. The National Fuel Pass initiative exemplifies our successful partnership with Dialog in the past. We wish Dialog success in reaching and engaging a large number of Sri Lankans in this national endeavour. ICTA is committed to supporting Dialog and the national community to ensure the success of this initiative”.

Commenting, Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with our esteemed partners for the National Dialog Innovation Challenge. In collaboration with our partners, we are set to drive digital innovation across Sri Lanka. This strategic partnership is a testament to our commitment to shaping the nation's digital future. Together, we invite all Sri Lankans to join us in this pioneering initiative, as we harness the power of technology to create positive change for individuals, businesses, and communities nationwide”.

The Dialog Innovation Challenge invites all Sri Lankans to contribute to the country's digital future. Individuals and teams are encouraged to submit innovative solutions leveraging technologies like AI, machine learning, IoT, blockchain, and more. With a generous prize pool of Rs. 5 million and opportunity for selected winners to pitch for a part of the 500Mn DIF (Dialog Innovation Foundry) investment fund, mentorship, and access to Dialog's innovation ecosystem, participants have a unique opportunity to propel their ideas forward.

To participate, visit www.dialog.lk/ic