The Global Innovation Competition is funded by Making All Voices Count, an initiative operating in 8 African and 4 Asian countries to support innovators and entrepreneurs in realizing projects that improve the relationship between citizens and governments. In its first year more than 40,000 registered global users participated and out of the over 60,000 votes, about 75% came from the global south. The grand prize winner was a government-led project that used mobile reporting to improve delivery of Pakistani government services to those who need them most.

The competition is in its 2nd year and as one of the most significant open government initiatives in the global south, Making All Voices Count uses a mixed toolkit of competitive and collaborative approaches that make it one of the most inclusive programs around. For anyone looking to host a global competition capable of changing the world, the online and offline best practices from this team can help them shape their approach.