News on Cell Phones

in
Amount: 
$ 325,000
Location: 
Washington, D.C.
While computers can readily access news feeds through the Internet, only the more expensive cell phones have the same capability. This project will make it easy for significantly cheaper models to select and receive news feeds, expanding the news universe for those whose only digital device is a cell phone. Users, particularly in areas where Internet access isn’t affordable, will be able to receive news via text messaging. They also will be able to rate top stories in lists to be shared with friends. The project will be tested in the rural area of a developing country.
Organization: 
DataDyne
Link: 
Datadyne.org
Twitter Link: 
@jselanikio
Winner: 
Dr. Joel Selanikio
Bio: 
Dr. Joel Selanikio leads DataDyne.org’s efforts to develop and promote new development technologies, and is a pioneer in open-source development for international health. A former medical officer of the Centers for Disease Control, and former chief of operations for the Department of Health and Human Services’ emergency command center after 9/11, he is a nominee for the MIT-Lemelson Award for Sustainability, the Tech Museum Award, and the Stockholm Challenge. He has received awards previously from the U.S. Departments of Defense and Health and Human Services, the World Bank and Haverford College (the last for his work treating tsunami victims in Aceh, Indonesia). Dr. Selanikio holds a bachelor’s degree from Haverford College, an M.D. from Brown University, and is a graduate of the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service fellowship. He continues to practice clinical pediatrics as an assistant professor at Georgetown University, and is a member of the Emergency Response Team of the International Rescue Committee.