Dialog Innovation Challenge announces its first five finalists for the Grand Finale

The First Five Finalists of the Dialog Innovation Challenge; First Row- SeaLanka, BODO, Center-SmartAqua, Second Row – FlashGuard, AudiPhix

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka's #1 connectivity provider, has announced its selection of the first five finalists for the Dialog Innovation Challenge Grand Finale, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to leveraging technology to address key local issues and propel digital transformation across Sri Lanka.

The competition has highlighted outstanding innovations, including SeaLanka’s AI-powered fishing zone prediction app, BODO’s hostel booking and management system, AudiPhix’s app for central auditory processing disorder, FlashGuard’s smart glasses for photosensitive epileptic protection, and Smart Aqua’s IoT solution for shrimp farmers. These finalists will now undergo rigorous mentorship and workshops with industry experts to refine their projects, with each innovation having the potential to significantly enhance the lives of Sri Lankan individuals, communities, and businesses.

Launched in September 2023, the Dialog Innovation Challenge was conceived with the vision of driving Sri Lanka's digital transformation. The competition saw an extraordinary influx of 1200+ submissions from innovators across various sectors, demonstrating a rich diversity of ideas and solutions. The selection process prioritised innovative and scalable digital solutions with the potential to significantly enhance the lives of Sri Lankan individuals, communities, and businesses.

The finalists were chosen by an esteemed panel of judges, based on the innovations’ ability to address pressing issues, their potential for widespread impact and their technology readiness. The panel of judges for the program consists of Dr. Ramesh Shanmuganathan, Executive Vice President and Group Chief Information Officer of the John Keells Group; Shashi Kandambi, CEO of National Savings Bank; Sherin Cader, Chairperson of Nations Trust Bank PLC; Renuka Fernando, Group Chief Digital Services Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC and Chairperson of Dialog Finance PLC; Asela Perera, Group Chief Information Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC; Ranga Kariyawasam, Group Chief Technology Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC; and Viranga Seneviratne, Head of ICT and Platforms Business of Dialog Axiata PLC.

As the competition progresses, five more innovators will be chosen to round out a final of ten who will go on to benefit from targeted workshops, organised by Dialog in collaboration with its partner ecosystem including, Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), Sri Lanka Inventors Commission (SLIC), National Innovation Agency (NIA), the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM) and Digital Marketing Association of Sri Lanka (DMASL). They will also receive crucial feedback from judges during the televised broadcasts, which will aid in refining their innovations. All finalists are in the running for a share of a LKR five million prize pool, alongside access to advanced lab and technology facilities, ongoing mentorship from leading tech and innovation organisations, as well as a possible opportunity to pitch for part of the Rs. 500 million DIF (Digital Innovation Fund) investment fund. This comprehensive support underscores Dialog's commitment to fostering technological advancement and nurturing innovation in Sri Lanka.

Watch the Dialog Innovation Challenge on TV Derana, every Saturday at 10:30 PM. For more information, visit https://ic.dialog.lk/