Software giant Microsoft and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have partnered to launch ?AppsforAsia?, a project that seeks to harness the power of hundreds of independent software developers across Asia.
Over the next six months AppsforAsia will create sustainable technological solutions for the economic, commercial and social benefit of governments, NGOs, citizens, and enterprises in the region.
A whole-day briefing and innovation workshop will be conducted by Microsoft Philippines and ADB on Feb. 1, 2013 to highlight the opportunities for app developers and provide technology support and resources for those interested to participate.
The event is open to all amateur and professional app developers, students, and IT practitioners. The participants would be given hands-on experience and mentoring on Microsoft?s cloud platform (Windows Azure) to help them build scalable solutions.
Chris I. Morris, unit head for NGO and civil society center at ADB, said the tie-up will bring technological solutions closer to people by addressing development challenges with innovative technological solutions.
?We believe that the applications from this program will drive further economic and social progress throughout Asia and the Pacific,? he said.
AppsforAsia program is running in the Philippines, Australia, Korea, and Malaysia.
The top three participants from each country will also have the chance to present their solutions at the ?Asian Development Bank Annual Board of Governor’s Meeting? in New Delhi, India in May.
Microsoft will cover all the cost of the trip. ADB will also support the participants by promoting the solutions among its member countries.
AppsforAsia is also supported by organizations such as IdeaSpace, the Philippine Software Industry Association, and DOST-UP Enterprise Center for Technopreneurship, a program which has helped early stage technopreneurs in launching their startups.
