The MTN Mobile Money Open API interface was opened to developers in 2018 as a gateway to creation of disruptive innovations and services to give a rise in more problem solving Innovations through the use of cashless payments via Mobile Money
After awarding the first lot of Open API challenge winners early last year, MTN has published the 2019 round of innovators on its Innovators wall of fame. The Winners were rewarded today at the telco’s head offices in Kololo, and below are their project names plus cash prizes awarded to them:
1st Prize Winner: Pearl Brains
Pearl brains won the 1st cash prize of the Open API challenge amounting to USD 2,500 and a trip to the Ericsson innovation center in Sweden for one team member.
The team at Pearl Brains developed a WooCommerce affiliated service that allows e-retailers to directly receive payments from buyers and reach more clients through Mobile Money.
2nd Prize Winner: Piper2
How about a Digital Bursar solution to help students to manage their cashflows and finances when they’re away from school. This is the solution that gave Piper 2 a clean cash prize win of USD 2,000
3rd Prize Winer: Pause
Easy Momo is an android app that allows users to scan QR codes for quick payments through MTN Mobile money with an integrated Momo API for super-fast transactions without any shortcodes initiated by the user.
While handing over cash prizes to the respective winning teams, the MTN CEO Mr. Wim Vanhellupte inked the telco’s plan to support Innovators to create real-life solutions, and not only turn out successful, but also encourage new creative minds to join the race as he said:
” We know that the youth in Uganda have immerse potential and talent, but sometimes lack the vital connection to bring their ideas and dreams to life. At MTN Uganda, we are happy to provide that vital connection because we are good together “
Mr Wim Vanhellupute – CEO, MTN Uganda
The 3 Winning teams of the 2019 Open API Challenge showcased their ideas at Outbox before being decalred the overall winners. All solutions integrated the telco’s open Application Interface (API) to solve real-life transaction affiliated problems for e-users.
Hence, With a sharp shooting high trend of mobile money usage in Uganda, support to Innovators from telcos like MTN Uganda means the Fintech industry has a bright future of growth ahead.