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The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) today (January 3) launched a support scheme for the development of digital inclusion apps for underprivileged groups and invites interested organisations to apply.
The one-off support scheme aims to facilitate the development of apps on common desktop and/or mobile platforms that provide practical content and services to cater for the needs of underprivileged groups. A maximum funding of $500,000 will be provided for each selected project.
"The Government is committed to making Hong Kong a smarter city where all sectors of society can use information and communications technology (ICT) to enrich their quality of life and maximise their potential.
"ICT opens up more opportunities for underprivileged groups. This scheme is one of the Government's ongoing initiatives to leverage ICT to bring smarter living to needy groups through partnership with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the ICT industry," said an OGCIO spokesman.
Among the completed projects, the three apps that best address the needs of respective user groups will receive a cash award of $30,000, $20,000 and $10,000 respectively.
All local non-profit social service organisations, IT professional bodies or trade associations are welcome to submit proposals under the scheme. The deadline for applications is March 10. A briefing will be conducted for interested organisations on January 24. The application form and other relevant information are available on the OGCIO website:
www.ogcio.gov.hk/en/business/tender_eoi_rfp/rfp_dia2014.htm.
Ends/Friday, January 3, 2014
Issued at HKT 14:51
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