Dialog Announces Next Round of Finalists for Dialog Innovation Challenge Grand Finale to Air This Saturday

Photographed Above, Second Round of Finalists of the Dialog Innovation Challenge; First Row - Cubic, BabyChart and Second Row
 – Shop2Message, WattWise

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has revealed the next four finalists in the Dialog Innovation Challenge Grand Finale. The programme aims to discover innovative digital solutions with the power to positively transform the lives of Sri Lankans, as well as businesses and communities across the nation. This latest update highlights Dialog’s ongoing commitment to supporting advancements that address critical local needs and drive meaningful digital progress. 

The new finalists include Cubic, with its IoT-based mobile app aimed at improving school transport services; BabyChart, a digital solution designed to replace traditional baby growth tracking books; Shop2Message, an app to streamline the management of lending goods and installment payments for small-scale shops; and WattWise, an AI-powered IOT system providing precise energy consumption insights to help users manage their electricity bills more effectively.

These additions join the previously announced finalists: SeaLanka’s AI-driven fishing zone prediction app, BODO’s hostel booking and management system, AudiPhix’s app for central auditory processing disorder, FlashGuard’s smart glasses for photosensitive epileptic protection, and Smart Aqua’s IoT solution for shrimp farmers. Each finalist was selected based on their innovative approach, scalability, and potential to significantly impact the lives of Sri Lankans.  

The finalists were chosen by an esteemed panel of judges consisting of Dr. Ramesh Shanmuganathan, Executive Vice President and Group Chief Information Officer of the John Keells Group; Shashi Kandambi, CEO of National Savings Bank; Sherin Cader, Chairperson of Nations Trust Bank PLC; Renuka Fernando, Group Chief Digital Services Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC and Chairperson of Dialog Finance PLC; Asela Perera, Group Chief Information Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC; Ranga Kariyawasam, Group Chief Technology Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC; and Viranga Seneviratne, Head of ICT and Platforms Business of Dialog Axiata PLC.

As the competition progresses, participants will continue to benefit from targeted workshops organised by Dialog in collaboration with its partner ecosystem. These workshops aim to further develop their innovations by focusing on crucial feedback received from judges during the televised broadcasts. 

Finalists are competing for a share of the LKR 5 million prize pool, alongside access to advanced technology facilities and ongoing mentorship from leading tech and innovation organisations, as well as possible opportunity to pitch for part of the Rs. 500 million DIF (Digital Innovation Fund) investment fund.

The highly anticipated Grand Finale of the Dialog Innovation Challenge is being broadcast this Saturday, 7th September, on TV Derana at 10:30 PM and on DTV Channel One at 6:30 PM on Sunday, 8th September. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to watch these groundbreaking innovations in action! For more details, visit  https://ic.dialog.lk/