Forum Nokia, the handset firm's worldwide developer programme, has announced a global competition for developers working on mobile applications.

The Calling All Innovators contest will reward developers who create applications that enhance the use of mobile devices in real-world scenarios across three categories.

ECO-Challenge will look at applications that use mobile solutions to help consumers make sustainable choices, such as reducing their energy consumption or carbon footprint.

Emerging Markets will look for applications that could benefit undeveloped nations, including products for education, health care, data access and rural agriculture.

Technology Showcase will look for compelling "experience driven" applications. These must be based on Flash Lite, Java, Python or open source.

"This developers' showdown will help open consumers' minds about what an application can do," said Forum Nokia.

The competition has been endorsed by Dean Kamen, creator of the Segway PT.

"For over 15 years, I've been focused on sparking the curiosity of up-and-coming inventors, especially kids, by showing them that science, technology and problem-solving is rewarding and important," he said.

"Now that mobile devices are becoming as powerful as personal computers and more ubiquitous, challenging mobile developers and young inventors to develop the right applications can take the device simply known as a cellular phone and transform it into a catalyst to help society in many different ways."

Tom Libretto, vice president of Forum Nokia, added: "Calling All Innovators is not just about making mobile applications that could help society; it's about developing mobile applications that will help society.

"Imagine if an application could help relief workers reallocate resources in real time for disaster-torn areas. How much could that help those in need as well as the relief workers in the area?"

First-place winners will receive $25,000 (£14,000) and a trip to Mobile World Congress 2009 in Barcelona. Nokia said that their application would also be distributed to users through its channels.

Second place winners in each category will receive $10,000 (£5,500), and third place winners will receive $5,000 (£2,800).

The contest starts today and all entries are due by 15 December.