WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Humanity United announced Wednesday the launch of the Tech Challenge for Atrocity Prevention, in support of President Obama’s strategy for preventing mass atrocities.

The Tech Challenge for Atrocity Prevention encourages individuals from all backgrounds to bring new perspectives to the problems surrounding atrocity prevention.  The emphasis on technology recognizes that innovative tools and solutions in many social sectors, such as global health, education, and the private sector could be transformative when applied to preventing atrocities.

USAID and Humanity United will award prizes for innovative ideas and prototypes that respond to specific sub-challenges related to atrocity prevention. A jury comprised of subject matter experts and technical specialists will review the submitted proposals and announce the first round of awards by January 2013. Following the awarding of prizes, Humanity United and USAID will work to pilot and scale the most promising innovations.

Submissions will be accepted for the first two sub-challenges of the Tech Challenge for Atrocity Prevention on October 31.

Humanity United, based in San Francisco with an office in Washington, D.C., is a foundation committed to building peace and advancing human freedom.

Complete details can be found at www.thetechchallenge.org

Contact:  Mark Goldenbaum – mgoldenbaum@usaid.gov