The GSM Association (GSMA), the global trade group for the mobile industry, today announced the winners of the APAC leg of the 2009 Mobile Innovation Global Award Competition. The winners were announced at the GSMA's Mobile Asia Congress, Asia's leading mobile communications event, that's taken place in Macau, China this week.

The Mobile Innovation Marketplace at the Mobile Asia Congress is a unique platform for top innovators competing for the Mobile Innovation Global Award Championship title. During this event 15 emerging growth companies from around the world competed in five categories and their innovative products and services were reviewed by senior executives from mobile operators, industry suppliers and venture capital organisations. The distinguished judging panel included representatives from Vodafone Ventures, Belgacom, Orange, SK Telecom, Telecom Italia, Microsoft, Intel Capital, and ICT 168 Capital.

The Global Finalists for the 2009 Mobile Innovation Global Award Competition - APAC Tournament are:

 -- TuneWiki, US
      -- CooTek, China

    And the five Global Semi-Finalists are:

    Most Innovative Wireless Device-centric Technology

      -- CooTek, China

    Most Innovative Carrier Infrastructure or Platform

      -- Sunbay, Switzerland

    Most Innovative Mobile Application in a Vertical Market

      -- Impetus Technologies, India

    Most Innovative Consumer Application or Service

      -- TuneWiki, US

    Most Innovative 'True Mobile Start-Up'

      -- Sentry Wireless, Ireland

"Driven by an impressive entrepreneurial spirit and a desire for technical excellence, it's clear there are some outstanding opportunities ahead for these highly innovative companies with their 'best of breed' products and services," said Bill Gajda, Chief Commercial Officer for the GSMA. "We commend the enthusiasm and commitment shown by all the finalists in the competition, who have clearly shown they have what it takes to succeed in the mobile world."