Microsoft announced a developer contest in partnership with connected car platform player Mojio.

The companies are looking to drive the development of Windows Phone apps in five categories: green, to reduce drivers’ carbon footprint; gamification, to “gamify the driving experience in a safe manner”; business, enabling better management of time and resources; fleet; and “wildcard”.

Winners will not be made especially wealthy – the five grand prizes are $1,000 prepaid Visa cards – although the top 25 submissions will also be supported by the Mojio development team to get apps finalised and submitted to the Windows Phone store.

Submissions can be made until 12 February. Grand prize winners will be announced on 2 March.

Mojio’s technology uses a hardware device that can be connected to a wide range of cars, and is bundled with mobile service (in partnership with AT&T). It works with apps running on smartphones.

Earlier this year, Mojio participated in a connected car hackathon with BMW.