Vodafone today announced the winner of Vodafone Mobile Clicks 2010, said to be the biggest competition of its kind, aimed at identifying and developing the best, most innovative mobile internet start-ups. Cardmobili, which describes itself as ‘consumer loyalty going mobile and social’ was awarded the title at PICNIC festival in Amsterdam and will receive the €100,000 1st place prize.
Fending off competition from 159 other entrants, Cardmobili is said to have won the top prize for its intuitive application that allows consumers and retailers to share the latest coupons and reward vouchers entirely via mobile handsets. Users can also pass on special offers directly to friends from their social networks. Once the app is downloaded, consumers can register all the loyalty cards they carry around in their wallet to receive vouchers and redeem rewards without waiting for a statement or update at the checkout.
The 12-strong team, made up of some of the brightest young software developers in Portugal, is one of enthusiasm and persistence, says Vodafone. Having launched Cardmobili in beta last year, the team has worked hard to take the number of retail partners from 200 to 1,500. Already successful in Portugal, North America and elsewhere in Europe, Cardmobili will invest the prize money in marketing to further awareness about the company, and encourage sign ups amongst consumers and retail partners.
Helena Leite, CEO, Cardmobili said, “It has been such a rewarding experience to be part of the Vodafone Mobile Clicks competition. We’ve met so many like-minded developers with interesting innovations to share. Being declared the overall winner is an absolute honour. We’ve worked hard throughout the past two years and will only continue to do so, reinvesting our prize money to make Cardmobili an even better offering for retailers and consumers.”
Lee Epting, Director of Content Services at Vodafone Group said, “I’d like to congratulate Cardmobili on winning this year’s competition. The superb quality of entries this year once again highlights the wealth of ideas and talent within the developer community. We’re proud to be able to showcase and support innovation with the Vodafone Mobile Clicks competition and are sure that Cardmobili will be a resounding success.”
Second place in the competition was awarded to David Tharp for Roulette Cricket. Roulette Cricket, which describes itself as ‘the first of socialised second screen sporting games,’ received the runner-up prize of €50,000. Roulette Cricket is the first app in the market of its kind, and the games can be played by yourself or as a group. Equally entertaining during or outside of the cricket season, the game offers play throughout the year covering tournaments that include Champions League, Test Matches and The Ashes, guaranteeing that there is at least one interactive game a day.