The 2009 Developers Challenge opens for submissions today.  We have made some significant changes (improvements) to the Challenge.

First, the  value of the prize package is now significantly higher than what was initially revealed. The Grand Prize has been doubled to $100,000.

Second,  in taking into consideration feedback received from developers, BlackBerry Partners Fund has also opened the call for entries to any developer with a BlackBerry application (not just startups).  The only condition is that the application must be new to BlackBerry App World.

Finally, rather than wait until end of the challenge to announce the finalists, they will be announced on a rolling basis  with four finalists per month during the four month challenge. In addition, each finalist will be featured for one week on the App World Carousel and the judging panel will consider ratings and download performance as part of the judging criteria.

The higher prize value, broader reach and monthly finalist announcements is expected to raise the bar significantly in terms of the quality of applications submitted. The winner will be selected from the 16 finalists at a special event at the BlackBerry Developers Conference November 9-11 in San Francisco called "BlackBerry Sweet 16".  All 16 finalists will present and demo to a panel of judges where the grand prize winner will be selected.  Full contest rules and regulations are available online on June 1st.

Here is an un-officlal summary of the prizes and how the Challenge will operate (see official rules at  http://www.blackberrypartnersfund.com/09contest):

Submission and Registration Process:

-        Challenge is open to all new BlackBerry Applications (not already on the App World)
-        Applicants must first submit their application(s) to BlackBerry App World.
-        Once their application(s) have been submitted to BlackBerry App World, developers will automatically be invited to apply for the 2009 BlackBerry Developers Challenge.

Finalist Selection:

-        A total of 16 finalists will be selected (4 per month).
-        Four finalists will be announced at the end of each month (June, July, August, and September).
-        Each month, each of the finalists will be featured on the App World carousel for one week.
-        Finalists will be selected each month from all submissions.  So, all submitted applications have four opportunities to be selected as a finalist

Finalist Prize Package worth over US$5,000:

-        Featured Placement on BlackBerry App World carousel for one week.
-        Free DevCon pass.
-        Free BlackBerry smartphone.
-        Invitation to demo at "BlackBerry Sweet 16"  taking place DevCon where final judging will take place.
-        Publicity via monthly press release announcing finalists. 

Grand Prize Package worth US$100,000:

-        $75,000 Cash Prize.
-        $25,000 Value Package.
-        Value Package includes:
- Free Elite Alliance Membership for one year.
- One Day Mentoring Session with RIM in Waterloo, ON, Canada providing analysis, review and insights into how to best improve the application on BlackBerry.
- Press Release and Featured Interviews with Media. 
- Two additional weeks of BlackBerry App World Feature Placement on the carousel.
- Potential investment offer from BlackBerry Partners Fund. 

Runner Up Prize Package worth US$25,000:

-        $10,000 Cash Prize.
-        $15,000 Value Package.
-        Value Package includes:
-  Free Select Alliance Membership for one year. 
-  One Day Mentoring Session with RIM in Waterloo providing analysis, review and insights into how to best improve the application on BlackBerry.
- Mention in Press Release. 
- One week App World Featured Placement.

Eligibility:

-        Only new BlackBerry applications submitted to the BlackBerry App World on or after June 1st will be eligible.
-        All finalists must attend DevCon to showcase their applications at "BlackBerry Sweet 16"  and receive their prize if selected as the ultimate winners. Finalists receive their DevCon registration for free. Travel and hotel costs are the responsibility of the finalists.

Judging:

-        A panel of judges will select 16 finalists (4 per month) by looking for the most compelling product or service, clearly defined value proposition, viable business model, and entrepreneurs who have the ability to execute. 
-        User reviews of applications along with download activity will be taken into consideration when finalists are selected.
-        Final judging will take place at DevCon, where each finalist must present their application or service to be considered for the Grand Prize.

Key Dates:

-        Submissions open June 1st
-        Four finalists announced June 30th (submission cut-off June 25th) 
-        Four finalists announced July 31st  (submission cut-off July 25th)
-        Four finalists announced August 31st  (submission cut-off August 25th)
-        Four finalists announced September 30th  (submission cut-off September 25th)
-        Submissions close September 25th
-        Finalist presentations at DevCon during "BlackBerry Sweet 16"  on Nov 9th
-        Winners announced during DevCon Keynote presentation on Nov 10th

For official rules and details of the application process visit the Challenge Website at  http://www.blackberrypartnersfund.com/09contest