Project 10^100: Google Wants to Help You Change the World
Google's 10th anniversary seems to be driving the company towards more introspection and philanthropy. Today, Google announced Project 10^100, through which the company is soliciting ideas for projects that have the potential to change the world and help as many people as possible. Google will select the 100 best ideas submitted to the project and then ask users to vote on which ones to fund. These votes will determine the 20 finalists and a group of judges will then choose the five best ideas from this pool. Google has committed $10 million to fund these ideas.
Google uses the Hippo Water Roller and First Mile Solutions as examples for projects it would be interested in funding. These projects provide innovative solutions to large problems - bringing water to rural communities in Africa and providing Internet access to remote, unconnected areas. Google is deliberately not setting any strict rules for submissions to Project 10^100, but the company does explain its selection criteria: reach, depth, attainability, efficiency, and longevity.
Google is definitely using its 10th anniversary to enhance the visibility of its philanthropic efforts. Google has lately been using its official blog to talk about its energy and health initiatives. Just yesterday, Google wrote about its Predict and Prevent initiative, a project that is looking at novel ways to detect the threat of a pandemic before it can turn into a crisis.
Submissions for Project 10^100 are due by October 20.
Comments
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Isn't AMEX doing the exact same thing right now?
Posted by: Chris | September 24, 2008 10:21 AM
Great idea, only the idea submitter gets no credit or opportunity to be a part of it. They get "good karma" as Google describes it.
Posted by: Nick Stamoulis | September 24, 2008 10:27 AM
Google will take your idea, have a third party develop it, and then probably sell it or find a way to make some money off of it, while you get just good karma? You don't even get a portion of the winnings if you win, that goes to the company that is going to do the work.
Google is getting/is evil, and this project is no different.
Posted by: Joel Strellner | September 24, 2008 11:54 AM
I also believe in "good karma" but of course even in non profit organization people's time and skills are recognized and rewarded with a paycheck for the simple reason that we all have a mortgage to pay and at least one mouth to feed. I truly believe that a real incentive not just "good karma" will help bring a lot more people together, and will exponentially add to the success of this philanthropic endeavor. Anyone who contributes to making life easier or of better quality for others deserves tangible recognition; just like Google's co-founders have been rewarded by much more than good karma for creating a great search engine, someone who improves/saves a life via this vehicle should not be denied this basic recognition right. I think Google is really doing its little philanthropic project a major disfavor by completely disregarding the author of the idea; ultimately this is great publicity for Google and it stands to benefit quite a bit from this, regardless of what they might claim. Lets be honest if it where about "good karma" you would think Google could afford a lot more than $10 million to change the world, I think it has something to do with dollars and publicity.
Posted by: Joe | September 24, 2008 2:12 PM
I wish more organisations and businesses took such care, especially such an active care for society.
I feel privileged to work in the web industry, and feel it's minds are some of the sharpest on the planet. It's heart-warming to see them starting to apply some of that to making this place better for everyone!
Posted by: Zach Beauvais
|
September 24, 2008 2:52 PM
Are you guys seriously saying that if you don't get recognition, you just don't want to help people at all? That is so selfish. Sure, it would be nice to get recognition, or maybe a little money, but what really are you being asked to do? You're being asked for ideas, nothing else. If you can't or aren't willing to do anything about those ideas, then you should really just be grateful for the opportunity to get your idea out there to help people.
Posted by: T G | September 24, 2008 5:47 PM
I have a great idea - i have been developing it for almost a year- it would help save proportion of earths environments and help developing economies too. I put this up on the project 10-100 and its out of my hands - no credit for me. Maybe i should put it on ebay instead?
Posted by: Nicholas H | September 24, 2008 6:03 PM
@ TG ,
I totally agree ,I see people saying google can afford more than 10 million, give credit to the ideator, google getting evil, selling ideas on ebay. You guys don't understand how much help is needed out there in this world and 10 million is not small by means yes, google can afford more but who cares they are atleast spending 10M. If really care for this planet,people around here contribute some ideas else stop spreading negative vibes around you have no right.
Posted by: Srikanth | September 24, 2008 6:29 PM
The good ideas are dime a dozen. Implementing them well is the real challenge.
Posted by: Oleg Tumarkin | September 24, 2008 9:17 PM
SO if I have a great idea, maybe I've been working on it for some time financing it out of my own pocket. Then, if I submit it to Google and it wins they take it of my hands give it to somebody else along with a bag of money. Then what do I do? I'm no longer part of it. The idea has money which is great but there is no guarantee that the new company has the passion it takes to make it a success. Money is not always enough. The worst thing is that this is not clearly stated up front by Google!
Posted by: Android | September 25, 2008 1:23 AM
I submitted an idea. Did anyone read the privacy statement or the agreement? All intellectual property, and ideas are the sole property of the person who submits the idea. I for one can not implement my idea because of finical reasons, and time. Nor, do I have the man power to take on such a project as the one I proposed. I would much rather get the idea out there, and let someone who has both the finical ability, and the resources to jump start my idea. After all, it is only an idea... if it brings chance, then isn't the world a better place to live? Why and how can a company be evil for simply suggesting people to give an idea. Truly those who want to change the world would run through any venue to get the job done... whether they get credit or not.
Posted by: J R | September 25, 2008 1:47 AM
TG
The choice to recognize/acknowledge contributors (or not) reflects the character/values of the sponsoring organization
who submits an idea has some impact on how it is received - for good and for bad... source can = trust
Since, for example, Larry B. the director of the google foundation is one of my heroes - someone i do not think could get corrupted or co-opted - I might give google a little slack on this -YEt am wondering when/if they will respond
movingfrommetowe
Posted by: Kare Anderson | September 25, 2008 8:37 AM
First of all, we have to be clear that this is just a stunt - Google is selling us on filantropy.
I wonder why the founders of Google didn't just give away their idea 10 years ago, and let someone else get rich on it...
Truth be told, I personally still strugle with the concept of idea being a possesion; still believe that ideas exist regardless of us; it's like a thought - you can think of it, but that doesn't mean you possess it. And besides, many people can come up with the same idea independently at the same time - whose idea is it then..?
However, we still live in capitalism, right..? Where through harsh competition a production of ideas is being rewarded. At least a finders fee... BTW, the whole patent system has been invented to protect a good idea or inovation from being "stolen" and taken advantage of.
I've got an idea for Google - instead of this commercial stunt, why don't they establish a foundation (maybe pour a little bit more money than 10 mil.) which would finance a good idea every year, not every ten... That might give them even a bigger tax break, and a better rap... You know, like the one - give a fish, teach to fish...
Posted by: bpmmx | September 25, 2008 11:31 AM
In these tuff economic times, I have been seeking a way to improve my financial situation.
I get only what the united states government gives me in social security.
I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, latter they discovered I'm a savant after demonstrating extraordinary abilities in music and math.
I have watched google from the begining, I was there when MS-DOS was just becomming a household word.
I've played almost every video game known to man, I've studdied Professor John Nash Jr. Game Theory.
I've studdied cosmology with steven hawking and been changed by a book called the torah.
I've used every means to help me search for the governing dynamics everything I've studdied and seen, which includes the internet.
After careful examination of things, I realized that the internet is a huge game, with players of every size shape and form, who battle to win and some will stop at nothing to win even if that means abusing the public and abusing their trust.
The game is not equal when companies use and abuse the public for their own selfish end while ignoring them and not giving them proper compensation in return.
This is shameful outragious and dispicable!
I would like to warn anyone reading my post to check the site they are on for any kind of foul play by asking yourself these simple questions.
1. Do they have a phone number to contact and not just an email address?
2. Does the website have an established reputation, and have they been guilty of any foul play in the past.
3. Do their members hide from you and not respond to your Email?
4. Do you get fair and just treatment from the website?
5. Does the website really care about YOU as a person and stop abuse emediately when it's brought to their attention?
6. If you are banned from a website did they give you a good reason by Email notification ?
7. Do they give out free public sourced technical support from non licensed professionals who are less than qualified to answer your questions?
9. Is there any money involved and where does that money come from and are they pocketing any of that money?
10. Do they keep you out of development of the site?
If the website in question fails any of these it's time to kiss them goodbye.
The advice I just gave you will keep you ahead of THE GAME.
Signed your friend Azkeyz.
Posted by: Azkeyz | September 25, 2008 5:34 PM
Yeah, I've just found the 10^100, very exciting!
Posted by: Frank Richard | September 25, 2008 7:41 PM
Finally we have a big company trying to help the little guy, or do we? Careful reading of the contest site www.project10tothe100.com reveals something a little less appealing and much more frightening.
According to the FAQ posted on the site, entrants to the contest actually receive nothing more than recognition of their idea for helping to change the world. Of course recognition is nice, but the kicker is that Google
chooses the top five ideas and then chooses to turn them over to a company of their choosing to bring to market.
According to the Terms of Service agreement that Google has posted. All entrants agree to the following "As a condition of participation, you grant Google, its subsidiaries, agents and partner companies, a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide,
royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, adapt, modify, publish, distribute, publicly perform, create a derivative work from, and publicly display your submission and the proposal provided therein" Part 3 of this same paragraph states the following "for the purposes of putting your submitted proposal into effect."
In essence, you get Karma, the recognition and fame for submitting an idea that may change the world, while Google and companies picked by them get to profit from it without the need to compensate the inventor or person that provided the proposal.
They assure entrants that they will retain all intellectual property rights, but with the Terms of Service they have, those rights they promise you retain mean absolutely nothing when it comes to them doing what they want with your idea. To add insult to injury, those free thinkers that
haven't bothered to go through the patent process to protect their ideas and inventions will most likely forfeit that ability once they disclose their concept to Google, all based on the public disclosure aspects of patent law.
I applaud any company that is willing to put their own money on the line to help others, but this isn't the way to do it. Robbing the public for the public good just doesn't fit the bill. Especially coming from a company that holds several patents and protects those rights vigilantly, why are they doing all they can to strip those very same rights away from those less fortunate.
Google should either rewrite their Terms of Service revoking some of the power they are granting themselves, or establish some sort of reward process to protect and benefit the applicant. Coming up with an idea to benefit big business so they can make more money just doesn't sit well.
At the present there is no telling how many people have been damaged by this contest. Someone that has put years of work, time and money into an idea and submitted it to Google in hopes of receiving help basically sold their soul for nothing more than a pat on the back. All to bring big business more money. How much Karma do you get for that?
The facts don't lie. I contacted our patent attorney on this issue, before submitting my innovation, and his statement was to the effect "Stay away, stay very far away". He also mentioned that the Terms of Service definitely appears to be granting an unlimited license without the requirement of royalties and it would be hard to argue otherwise in a court of law.
Author, BrentNC
Posted by: FaronNC | September 25, 2008 7:57 PM
that is very good idea
Posted by: hoojazi | September 26, 2008 3:00 AM
ya..the idea of google is good...and it is very exiting...
Posted by: kalyan | September 26, 2008 4:47 AM
I agree with some previous comments - if you have a Nobel Prize worth idea then it is better to patent it on your own. Anyway I think Goggle's action is focused on simple solutions that anyone can come up with. Millions of ideas will be rejected, the beauty of the project lies in that it will cause masses to think creatively toward a better standard of living for all.
Posted by: weoverstep.com | September 26, 2008 5:23 AM
I submitted an idea about peace & remembrance
A pre-project http://todayisfree.com
Posted by: Yvan | September 26, 2008 6:39 AM
Its very interesting project for developing.
Posted by: Balakrishna | September 26, 2008 6:59 AM
Google should definitely reward the person who submits the idea. I had this experience working at Yahoo!. I submitted a lot of ideas, some of them were implemented and most of the time, they never even bothered to tell me it was being implemented! I ended up finding out from others who were closer to ideas team. Over time I became discouraged in submitting ideas to a company which doesn't appreciate who's working for them. The same goes for Google, they should not only acknowledge who came up with the idea but also should see how that person can help them implement or encourage them to come up with more good ideas. If they don't, it becomes very discouraging and people will not trust Google anymore. Basically the question is... Will Google behave like Microsoft did/does for years with their "Good Karma"?
Posted by: Dave | September 26, 2008 9:46 AM
Google should definitely reward the person who submits the idea. I had this experience working at Yahoo!. I submitted a lot of ideas, some of them were implemented and most of the time, they never even bothered to tell me it was being implemented! I ended up finding out from others who were closer to ideas team. Over time I became discouraged in submitting ideas to a company which doesn't appreciate who's working for them. The same goes for Google, they should not only acknowledge who came up with the idea but also should see how that person can help them implement or encourage them to come up with more good ideas. If they don't, it becomes very discouraging and people will not trust Google anymore. Basically the question is... Will Google behave like Microsoft did/does for years with their "Good Karma"?
Posted by: Dave | September 26, 2008 9:48 AM
I am songwriter myself, and I think the idea of this project is total theft like sneaky style with a friendly mask. Read the terms carefully then you will get it.
If corporates, people with power, governments around really wanted to help making humanity better, get rid of war and sadness.. there is only one thing to do --- get rid of "money"
Let us all work hard and provide each other's need without asking any return! We will share everything with everybody that needs it!
ya right, like that's human nature.
Posted by: SW | September 26, 2008 3:57 PM
Reading the overall goal or the "Why this project?" part, I thought this is not a bad idea.. But after reading the FAQs.. I agree with most of the comments on this article.
Posted by: KZ | September 26, 2008 8:55 PM
It is very nice for young gernation for fast work in google and save the time
Posted by: lalitbajaj | September 26, 2008 9:20 PM
I sent the following email to Google:
I think that your project is misleading. When you post that Google is going to fund $10M from other people’s ideas it makes it sound as though the person with the idea will be involved in the process.
However… reading this statement makes me think twice: Q: What do I get if my idea is chosen? A: You get good karma and the satisfaction of knowing that your idea might truly help a lot of people.
So that means that Google is going to take people’s ideas, some that have worked long and hard on for years, and just snatch it from them for yourselves. Something like the Hippo Roller where the company is now estimated at $140 billion.
Google, you should be ashamed of yourselves for taking other people’s ideas and claiming them as your own to do whatever you want.
Posted by: S Williams | September 28, 2008 11:17 AM
IF I SEE MY IDEA USED WITH-OUT COMPENSATION, THEY WOULD BE THE ONE GETTIN SOME KARMA AROUND HERE.
Posted by: KEN DOGG | September 28, 2008 2:50 PM
Fer con todo el respeto del mundo tus comentarios no vienen al caso...Este no es un blog espiritual ni religioso, es una discusion sobre las diversas opiniones que existen sobre el tema del proyecto de Google. Favor de respetar a los demas.
Posted by: Joe | September 28, 2008 7:38 PM
When you post things to a website, it becomes public domain automatically unless you seek prior proetction. Google is only asking for a non-exclusive right which is necessary to implement any idea. That is fair enough. Since the right is non-exclusive, anyone not happy with what Google does with the winning idea can seek alternate parties to implement the idea in whatever way one wants.
On the other hand, there are ideas not related to technology nor business but can also benefit huge number of people. But the only way to make it work is to let it be known to a large audience. For such cases, Google is doing a fine job of bringing the idea to the public.
Posted by: SC Mok | September 28, 2008 9:42 PM
Good point #30, that would be a good direction for people who are submitting ideas. Ideas not related to profit making but really focus on something that benefits human in a large scale.
Posted by: SW | September 29, 2008 3:42 PM
but... would that be the ideas that they are looking for..?? we'll have to wait and see.
Posted by: SW | September 29, 2008 3:46 PM
we can search poor people. and we can search their problems we can search poor places . and we solve their problems not selfish.
Posted by: ramesh | October 2, 2008 1:03 AM
in real world every thing thats effects an organism its lifetime is coollectively is called as environment. "it is the study of interaction of abiotic and biotic components.imp to all and is thus imp for all. what ever be the occupation or age of a pererson. he or she will be effected by environment by his or her deeds.there are some environment problems may be local but some major issues like global warming, depletion of ozone layer, dwelling forests and energy resourses,loss of biodiversity. these going to mankind.effect of environment lead to pollution.pollution control must be stringent becsuse industries are finding it difficult to dispose of the prodused waste. this effects dirctly or indirctly.there was a time when environment meant only public health and sanitation.human socity today achived growth and avialability of materials but has failed to attain the growth of in the value integrated mankind. i maybe pointed that world mangement consists 10 letters but the first 3 letters i.e man so that man has to manage a groth pattern.the public has to educate.one has a feeling of oweness and realising that its their duty.air pollution from industreies and automobiles is posing a serious threaty to the heath and welfare. 3/4 constables face respiratory disoders and cancer.environment problems in india is dirctly propotional to industrialization.the essential attention to school going people.thus should be aware of health, nutrition,sanitaion,hygieneand water and food contamination.we have to improve to the qality of environment.
Posted by: neeraja | October 2, 2008 11:52 PM
using of plastics,polythine covers cause major problems. the degradation of these is very difficult.it will takes min 8 to 10 years so insted of these the usage of synthetic polymers has high levels. the recycling of natural polymers has not been done.this is due to biodegradation of these is very long time.so this creats acute problemsin the environment problems. because of these disposal problem,safe usage of polymer wastes,synthetic polymershave been developed.insted of non biodegradasble use biodegradable polymer.ex :dextron.usage of paper will decrese the pollution caused by polythine covers like paper bags,glasses,plates etc.
Posted by: nageswara rao | October 3, 2008 12:11 AM
THANK YOU GIVING GOOD IDEAS .I LIKE TO GIVE ONE ADVISE FOR MY DEAR AMARICAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS.PLEASE AVOID BANKCARUPCY.
Posted by: NARESH KUMAR .K | October 4, 2008 3:48 AM
can u change your world
if u do respect ur mother & father every time, any condition, any situation
Posted by: suleman | October 7, 2008 12:13 AM
This program should be titled, "Those who have the gold make all the rules and the rest get good karma."
Or, “Project 10, Promoting Bad Karma for Google”. What a bunch of two bit losers, I am dropping my Google account.
Posted by: Tim | October 8, 2008 9:40 PM
membuat lumpur lapindo/porong yang ada di indonesia,tepatnya di daerah porong,sidoarjo,jawa timur, menjadi sesuatu yang tidak merugikan masyarakatnya. misalnya seperti:mengubahnya menjadi gas .
Posted by: mian | October 10, 2008 6:43 AM
I think that this is a great contest that Google is doing.
I have submitted an idea that deals with creating a more incentive-driven health system.
Take a look at my submission at the URL (by clicking on my name "Jonathan"), and find out full details at www.quidproquohealthmanagement.com.
Posted by: Jonathan | October 10, 2008 1:32 PM
i got an idea for google
good karma doesnt pay the bil$$
so stick the good karma in you a$$
Posted by: john doe | October 13, 2008 1:52 PM
I wish this project get success and bring great benefit to the people that google doing.
I submitted a idea it will bring convenience to tourist and visitors to exhibitions on 03 Octobber.
Please take look at my submission at the "old turtle doctor".
Posted by: li Guangming | October 15, 2008 7:12 PM
I wish this project get success and bring great benefit to the people that google doing.
I submitted a idea it will bring convenience to tourist and visitors to exhibitions on 03 Octobber.
Please take look at my submission at the "old turtle doctor".
Posted by: li Guangming | October 15, 2008 7:14 PM
Joel (#3): "Google is getting/is evil, and this project is no different."
Evil? Sure, Google may not be implementing this in the way that you (and I) would prefer--the fact that we don't get any input on the project after idea submission discouraged me from submitting my idea--but come on. Google is spending $10 million on humanitarian software projects. That's $10 million more on humanitarian projects than there would be if Google weren't doing this. You may not like their way of doing it, but to say they are evil for doing this is beyond absurd.
If you don't like it, don't submit your idea--it's as simple as that. It's not as if they're forcing you to submit your ideas, or snooping through your email to steal ideas. They're giving people an opportunity, and that's a good thing.
Posted by: toth | October 16, 2008 10:54 PM
I've sent Google the following message twice without reply: "I do consider a patented prototyped idea belonging to my company (startup) that already invested for the R&D.
According to your publication, it is possible that if you’ll choose that idea, you may let someone else develop/implement it. In that case there will be probably an “intellectual property” question. Would you advise to submit the idea? " Probably, the "no reply" is the correct answer!
Posted by: Isaac | October 19, 2008 7:35 AM