The creators of the Independent Games Festival (IGF) have launched a new $10,000 prize for iPhone game development as part of the 2009 Independent Games Festival Mobile event. This marks the first time they have offered this contest.

IGF has partnered with ngmoco, a game publisher founded by Neil Young and Alan Yu, both of whom previously ran EA’s Blueprint Studio, where they managed funding for smaller groups at the studio. Over the summer, Young announced the desire for the company to focus on the mobile end of the games spectrum. Ngmoco has received funding from Kleiner Perkins, the company which announced a $100 million fund to help encourage development of iPhone games and applications.

iPhone developers interested in participating in the 2009 IGF Mobile event can submit entries in all categories, including game design, art, technical and audio awards, a Best Game award and other major prizes. Entry is at no cost. Winners will be able to showcase their games on the expo floor at the Game Developers Conference, and the winners of the IGF Mobile awards will be announced on stage during the event.

Given the surge in earnings for smaller iPhone apps of late, this could mean instant popularity and a decent financial windfall for the winner.

The deadline to enter the IGF Mobile competition is November 17, 2009. All apps must be submitted by then.