​Less than two weeks remain to submit entries for ITU's high-profile international ITU Telecom World Awards 2017. The awards recognize outstanding and innovative ICT-based solutions realizing social impact. Submit your entry today at bit.ly/ITU-Telecom-Awards-2017.

First launched in 2015, as an integral component of the annual ITU Telecom World events, the awards also serve to highlight best practices and provide a platform from which to network, mobilize investment and create new business opportunities for information and communication technology (ICT) solutions.

The ITU Telecom Awards 2017 programme includes three categories:​

• Global SME Awards for the most promising solutions from small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are making innovative use of ICTs for social impact;
  
• Global Corporate Awards for the most promising innovative solutions with social impact within large companies, and;
  
• Government Award for the National Pavilion at ITU Telecom Word 2017 with three or more of the most promising innovative SMEs present at the event. 

 
All ITU Telecom World 2017 exhibitors and sponsors are eligible to enter the awards competition. SMEs may also enter with an application fee that includes a free exhibition pass and full access to the SME programme of workshops, targeted networking, capacity building and pitching sessions.

Winners will be announced by ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao at a high-profile ceremony during ITU Telecom World 2017.

"Winning an ITU Telecom World award brings global recognition to the creators of innovative ICT solutions, supporting these talented enterprises to grow and scale up their business, taking it to the next stage. I look forward to discovering a wealth of innovation this September in Busan," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao.

Speaking about her experience as a past award winner, Mariam Muganga of Academic Bridge in Rwanda said: "In the life of a start-up, every founder wishes their story to be heard, wants their business to be trusted so it can grow; winning an ITU Telecom World award makes all that possible, which is why I encourage other SMEs to participate."

ITU Telecom World 2017 takes place 25-28 September 2017 in Busan, Republic of Korea. It combines an international tech exhibition, a forum for sharing knowledge, a networking hub for corporates, governments and SMEs – as well as the influential ITU Telecom World Awards. The globally recognized event provides a unique international platform that brings together developed and emerging markets, public and private sector leaders, and industry representatives from across the entire ICT ecosystem.

More information is available at: https://telecomworld.itu.int/

Media accreditation for ITU Telecom World 2017, enabling free access to the event for registered media and analysts is now open here.