Microsoft and ADB partner to launch AppsforAsia Briefing and Innovation Workshop on Feb 1, 2013!

Microsoft and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) partnered to launch AppsforAsia: Redefining Development to harness the creative 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. More details after the jump.

A whole-day briefing and innovation workshop will be conducted by Microsoft Philippines and ADB on February 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.

“Microsoft constantly brings innovation to Filipinos in our mission to fuel growth and healthy communities as well as transform businesses.  We are committed to empowering our local developers with the tools and resources they need to showcase their creativity and grow their businesses,” said Karrie Ilagan, Managing Director, Microsoft Philippines. “This partnership with ADB on AppsforAsia also aims to maximize the potential of technology in making a difference in people’s lives through the apps that will be created by start-up businesses and student developers.”

“Our partnership with Microsoft brings technological solutions closer to people by addressing development challenges with innovative technological solutions: AppsforAsia Redefines Development ,” said Chris I. Morris, Unit Head, NGO and Civil Society Center, ADB. “We believe that the applications from this program will drive further economic and social progress throughout Asia and the Pacific.”

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 supported by esteemed organizations such as IdeaSpace, a program that helps Filipino entrepreneurs develop groundbreaking technologies, Philippine Software Industry Association, and DOST-UP Enterprise Center for Technopreneurship, a program which has helped many early stage technopreneurs in launching their startups.

“AppsforAsia works both ways,” said Earl Martin Valencia, President, IdeaSpace. “It helps the ISVs with funding and tools to enhance their craft while for people or consumers, the said program allows them to participate in socially-relevant causes through modern technology by using and downloading the chosen apps soon. For IdeaSpace, this is part of connecting everyone in the startup ecosystem.”

IdeaSpace runs a program that helps Filipino entrepreneurs develop groundbreaking technologies, and transform these into successful commercial products. It is an incubator and accelerator supported by companies under the First Pacific group which includes First Pacific, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), MPIC hospital group, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), Meralco, Smart Communications, Inc (Smart), Digitel, Sun Cellular, SPI Global, ePLDT, Indofood, Philex Mining, Maynilad, MediaQuest, and TV5.

“We are glad that Microsoft and ADB came up with this endeavor.” said Arup Maity, Director, Philippine Software Industry Association. “This initiative focuses our attention to the key social challenges that need addressing in the Asia Pacific region. It also provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs and startups to leverage on the latest technologies in addressing these challenges in a viable and sustainable manner. AppsforAsia enables the members of the industry to appreciate the noble role that popular technology can play in our collective effort to make the world a better place.”

ADB aims for a poverty-free Asia and the Pacific. Working in partnership with developing member countries and other stakeholders, ADB strives to alleviate poverty and help create a world in which everyone can share in the benefits of sustained and inclusive growth. To learn more, go to http://www.adb.org/.

Developers and startups who are interested to participate in AppsforAsia can get more information by visiting www.microsoft.com.ph/appsforasia.

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