An invitation to brainstorm and build apps for the internet of the future

Tomorrow at the White House, Mozilla and the National Science Foundation will announce the launch of “Mozilla Ignite,” an open innovation challenge that invites designers, developers and everyday people to brainstorm and build applications for the faster, smarter internet of the future.

The goal: create apps that take advantage of next-generation networks up to 250 times faster than today, in areas that benefit the public — like education, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, public safety and clean energy.

“Mozilla believes in the power of the open internet and the power of distributed, community-based innovation,” said Mozilla’s Executive Director, Mark Surman. “This is an invitation to designers, developers and civic thinkers to create software that shapes the future and helps their communities.”

Designing for the internet of the future

The challenge begins with a “Brainstorming Round” where anyone can submit and discuss ideas. The best ideas will receive funding and support to become a reality. Later rounds will focus specifically on application design and development, with $500,000 available in awards. All are welcome to participate.

Mozilla Ignite is part of the US Ignite Initiative, a national effort to explore what’s possible through ultra-fast broadband networks and “ignite” the development of next-generation applications. It includes start-ups, local and state government, universities, industry leaders, federal agencies, foundations and local communities across the U.S.

Access to next-generation tech

Participants in the challenge will gain access to advanced technologies developed through the National Science Foundation’s Global Environment for Network Innovation (GENI) program. This advanced network provides speeds of up to one gigabit per second, and exciting new ways for developers to control, optimize and modify the network through “software defined networking.”

“The combination of these factors changes the game for app developers,” said US Ignite CTO Dr. Glenn Ricart. “The concept of individual applications customizing their own virtual networks to best serve their own needs is ground-breaking.”

Get involved

The challenge is focused specifically on creating public benefit in the U.S., and all are welcome to participate in the Brainstorming Round.