The global annual app innovation contest of Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) dubbed as AppsUP 2021 has been launched today, with the Asia Pacific (APAC) edition having a prize pool of US$200,000. Registration is open until 20 August 2021.
Aimed at inspiring and supporting developers in adopting and integrating HMS Core Kits to create innovative apps, the contest will run separately across five regions: APAC, Europe, Latin America, Mainland China, and the Middle East and Africa.
This year’s APAC edition will feature ten award categories:
- Best App
- Best Game
- Best Social Impact Award
- Honorable App Award
- Most Popular App Award
- AppGallery Rising Star Award
- Best Fintech Innovation Award
- Best HMS Core Innovation Award
- Excellent Student Award
- Tech Women’s Award
Twenty (20) outstanding apps will be selected based on their social value, business value, user experience and innovativeness.
“In Huawei, we believe in building a fully inclusive digital society, where technology is for everyone. Through our accessible platforms, development tools, and technical resources, we hope to empower all levels of developers so that they can showcase their capabilities to the world. Hence, in AppsUP 2021, we have two times the number of award categories, with new awards specially created to recognize student developers, female developers, and budding developers who are new to HMS mobile ecosystem,” according to Shane Shan, Director of APAC Huawei Consumer Cloud Service.
All Round Developer Support
In addition to the cash awards, AppsUP 2021 offers the opportunity to an accelerated path to the third-largest mobile ecosystem, providing a stepping stone for developers to enter the global market. By joining the contest and onboarding their apps to AppGallery, it is a launchpad for them to access over 730 million Huawei global smartphone users, and also increase exposure to potential partners and investors.
Participating developers in APAC can look forward to an expanded array of technical support, including workshops with hands-on coaching from Huawei’s top engineers and guest judges. Finalists can also enjoy global media promotion and co-marketing opportunities with Huawei.
In 2020, several Startups and Developers from the Philippines joined the contest and three entries emerged in the top ten, namely Kumu winning as one of the Best App, Honourable award was given to Investegrams (Investa, Philippines) and Spick&Span (PlusPoints, Philippines). Spick&Span was also recognized as one of the most Socially Impactful App.
Eligibility & Application
All mobile app developers and app owners, whether students, professionals, startups, or businesses, are welcome to participate in AppsUP 2021. Developers must be based in the APAC region and their submitted apps must be integrated with at least one HMS Core Kit to be eligible. Participants may enter the contest individually or as a team of up to three members.
To register for AppsUP 2021, or for more information including the schedule for upcoming workshops and panel of judges, please visit the official website.