Dell and the University of Texas at Austin's RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service yesterday announced the winner of the 2011 Dell Social Innovation Competition at an awards ceremony in Austin, Texas. Now in its fifth year, the competition inspires university students to approach global social problems through entrepreneurship, technology and sustainability and empowers them with unique skills and opportunities to succeed in a globally competitive workforce.

TakaTaka Solutions, a team from London School of Economics, took home the grand prize of $50,000 in seed money to help fund the business project and bring its innovative idea to life. TakaTaka Solutions is a social enterprise that collects and recycles waste in Nairobi where waste management is a key issue. The company aims to deliver affordable waste collection services to all income areas, recycling and composting of up to 85 percent of collected waste, and job creation.

"These teams exemplify ingenuity, passion and entrepreneurial spirit, which is why Dell believes in this program," said Karen Quintos, senior vice president and Chief Marketing Officer at Dell. "This competition gives students an opportunity to put their ideas into action and address some of the world's most serious social issues. Libraries Across Africa's was especially innovative by delivering both digital and customizable book-based services."

"We are most grateful to Dell for being outstanding partners on this exciting journey of empowering and engaging students worldwide in social entrepreneurship," said Peter Frumkin, Director, RGK Center at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. "Once again our winners demonstrate the tremendous impact that students can have on the world, especially with the support of partners like the University of Texas and Dell."

TakaTaka Solutions is one of five finalist teams from among 1,400 entries from 85 countries who participated in a competitive business venture plan process and selected to travel to Austin to present their unique business idea in front of a panel of expert judges.

A second place prize of $20,000 was awarded to Malo Traders while Sanitations Solutions received a third place prize of $10,000. This year's competition also included the following category-specific awards:

  • Libraries Across Africa received The Dell Technology Award and $10,000, for the social innovation that best leverages technology.
  • Waste not Wood received the Tomberg Prize in Environmental Sustainability and $10,000 for the social innovation that best solves an environmental problem.
  • Possibilities Pakistan took home this year's Webbie Award along with $1,000 for receiving the most online votes throughout the competition.

The Dell Social Innovation Competition also provides university students with a chance to network with local for-profit and non-profit social entrepreneurs to learn about mentoring opportunities, internships and volunteer positions.

View highlights from yesterday's awards ceremony here. For more information, visit http://www.dellsocialinnovationcompetition.com and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Dell4Good.

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