The FCC and the Knight Foundation are partnering to sponsor an Apps for Inclusion challenge set to launch soon. The Challenge encourages technology innovators, in collaboration with local organizations, to review government and community services and develop tools that will improve lives by making it easier for citizens to receive these services through mobile and online applications.
With $100,000 in prize money at stake, we are looking for innovative apps that are specifically targeted to people at the edge of the digital divide – those who traditionally have lower adoption rates and are often geographically and economically isolated.
Our goal is to foster the creation of a new suit of social-purpose apps that leverage the talent and ideas of Americans across the country to implement core goals of the National Broadband Plan – the utilization of technology to improve Americans’ access to health, education, public safety, key government services and more.
Apps for Inclusion will have both online and offline components. FCC and Knight will be hosting meet-ups in several cities across the country for community organizations, local government, and developers to share ideas and collaborate.
A panel of experts will review applications and pick winners. The public will have a vote through several “people’s choice awards.”