For many years, Facebook has promoted innovation across the Middle East and Africa, providing startups with the tools they need to build, grow, monetize and measure. Facebook grew out of a hacker culture, and we thrive on finding and promoting innovation on new platforms. That’s why we’re launching the Bots for Messenger Challenge, a contest to recognize and reward developers who create an innovative new bot in either the Middle East and North Africa, or Sub-Saharan Africa region, in one of these three categories:

1. Gaming and Entertainment
2. Productivity and Utility
3. Social Good

Teams of up to 3 people are invited to participate in the challenge. The submission period runs from February 15, 2017 to April 28, 2017, and winners will be announced on June 19, 2017.



Prizes
Finalist Teams
10 teams will be chosen from each category, for a total of 30 finalist teams from the Middle East and North Africa, or Sub-Saharan Africa region. Teams will win a Gear VR and mobile phone, Facebook mentorship and up to $40,000 USD in tools and services from FbStart, a Facebook program designed to help early stage mobile startups build and grow their bots

Note: All student teams or individual student entrants who make it to the finals will receive an additional $2,000 USD.

Runner Up Teams
For each region, 3 runner up teams (1 from each category) will win $10,000 USD and 3 months of Facebook mentorship.


Winning Teams
For each region, 3 winning teams (1 from each category) will win $20,000 USD and 3 months of Facebook mentorship.

Keep Connected

Join our Facebook Group to stay updated: https:///messengerchallenge

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