Public wellness app, Carrot Rewards, has be chosen as the global winner of the OECD’s 2019 Edge of Government Award.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is an intergovernmental economic organization, made up of 36 member countries working to promote policies that improve economic and social well-being. Selected from over 500 global submissions, Toronto-based Carrot was given the award at the World Government Summit in Dubai, an annual event held for political and business leaders to discuss and explore global policies on technology and innovation.
Launched in 2016, Carrot Rewards’ app uses AI to encourage healthy lifestyle behaviours by providing users with points and rewards. The app was co-created through a multi-sector partnership with charities including the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Canada, and YMCA, and select loyalty partners SCENE, Aeroplan, Petro Points, Drop, and More Rewards.
“Our entire extended team of employees, government partners and stakeholders across Canada and the UK is beaming with pride today,” said Andreas Souvaliotis, founder and CEO of Carrot Rewards. “Our goal has always been to touch and improve as many lives as possible, and this type of global recognition by the OECD is the best fuel to accelerate our growth across the world.”
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The app has been downloaded by over a million users in three provinces, and is a certified B Corporation, which is given to companies that balance both profit and social or environmental purpose. Last June, Carrot Rewards partnered with the Royal Bank of Canada to enable its users to earn RBC Rewards points by achieving daily step goals. Last month, Carrot Rewards announced it will be working with the British government to expand its service to parts of England.
The OECD’s Edge of Government Award helps to acknowledge examples of government innovation from around the world. Criteria for award selection include novelty, replicability, and impact. Companies are evaluated by a panel comprising members of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation International Advisory Board.
Image courtesy MobileSyrup.