by Holly Shoemaker
I recently had the task of conducting some research and writing a review on a large global company that hosts an annual Android competition for student app developers and smaller app companies. The contest I came across tied into apps that promote social change. I found it refreshing that a company sponsored an app contest around a philosophy and not just developing something solely for entertainment purposes.
For smaller app companies and student developers, having ties to a well-known company could ensure that these companies have the chance to promote their apps. Many larger companies have the ability to enter into joint ventures that give them a competitive advantage in the mobile app world. Smaller companies, or individual app developers, likely do not have the funding and they certainly do not have large R&D departments. So what happens to developers who have great ideas and want to affect social change, but they simply lack the funds or exposure? They either need to take years to get an app on the market or find investors. Or they could search out large companies that offer contests.
Concluding Thoughts
It makes sense that a large global company that stresses using technology to address social issues as part of its culture would provide opportunities for smaller development companies and student developers. App developers just need to make themselves aware that they may have to integrate a technology component used by the company sponsoring the contest. I do not necessarily view that negatively. Whether developers win the competition or not, it provides exposure. It may be worthwhile for smaller companies to look into contests to gain brand recognition.
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