Orange has launched a competition for developers to come up with ideas for new NFC-based services, with a total prize fund of EUR40,000.

The Orange NFC Awards run from 19 February until 6 June and is designed to find new applications that could prove popular in the operator’s home market of France. Registration is open until 24 March.

The kind of areas for which the company hopes to see entries include mobile payments, access to public transport, loyalty card storage, locking or unlocking vehicles and other locations such as hotel rooms.

Contestants have two possible briefs: develop apps which simplify everyday life and enrich leisure activities, or create new ways to improve user experience and the customer relationship.

This is the first time Orange has run such a contest for NFC.

Orange experts will narrow down entries to a shortlist which will then be tested by users, while receiving technical support for the development of their app.

They will then present their ideas to a jury led by Jean-Paul Cottet (pictured), Orange’s senior executive vice president, marketing, innovation and new activities on 6 June 2013.

The top three winners will receive EUR20,000, EUR10,000 and EUR5,000, respectively.

Those prize winners who develop their prototypes in NFC Control secure mode (card emulation) using the latest Orange SIM cards will receive a EUR5,000 bonus.