Nokia Offers USD 10 Million in Cash Prizes for Devs Contest

Nokia and AT&T have just announced a developer contest with no less than USD 10 Million in cash prizes. The contest tagets those developers that are making apps for Nokia smartphones, and the winners will be selected by both Nokia and AT&T, but also by consumers who will indicate the winners according to the download rate.

Even though the contest has been launched for North America, 2010 Calling All Innovators contest is open to developers from around the world, as long as they create apps for North American consumers.

“The commitment from Nokia is a clear message that we are serious about the North American market,” said Purnima Kochikar, VP Forum Nokia.

“Developers have the tools, the support from AT&T and the marketing power of Nokia to get visibility for their apps”, she added.

“Additionally, developers can make their Qt-based app available in Ovi Store to Nokia customers globally reaching tens of millions of customers.”

Nokia's Ovi Store All will be the place where all the apps will be exclusively submitted and made available for download.

Nokia also throws in another challenge, thanks to the fact that AT&T will be the exclusive co-judge, developers will now have the opportunity to start developing apps for the latest Nokia devices including the Nokia N8.

Developers have until January 28th, 2011, to submit their applications in more than 17 categories.

The final judging will be made by Nokia and AT&T where three winners in each category will be selected.

Additionally, an overall contest app and game will be selected as grand prize winners.

Category prize winners receive USD 150,000 each for a total of USD 4 million and grand prize winners receive an additional USD 100,000 each.

Winning developers will also receive more than USD 6 million in marketing promotion by Nokia and AT&T in the North American market.