Grameen Foundation : What we do : Technology Programs : Application Lab
Application Lab
Information technology can play a key role in defeating poverty and transforming lives by providing community access to information, health and education. A recent study commissioned by Ericsson Mobility World found that the technical limitations for mobile services in developing countries are not as daunting as many people had thought. Instead, such regions offer a strong business case for developers with solid, straightforward applications. Mobile phones already outnumber fixed lines and personal computers in developing countries. Creating locally relevant content can turn mobile phones from a luxury item into a valuable expenditure-saving and income-earning tool.
Building on the network of existing mobile phones in Uganda, the Grameen Technology Center will be identifying, developing and piloting data applications and services as part of our Application Lab (AppLab). Instead of focusing solely on passing on existing technologies to poor communities, the AppLab will focus more on how information and communications technology (ICT) can be developed to serve the needs and demands of poor people. More specifically, the AppLab will focus on applications and services that:
- provide additional revenue to Village Phone Operators,
- add socio-economic value either directly or indirectly to the rural community served, and,
- are financially sustainable, scaleable and can be replicated in other countries.
Focus will be on applications in the following broad domains: Healthcare, Agriculture, Commerce, Education, Entertainment, Government and Finance.
The AppLab is designed to help individuals to understand the power of technology and how they can benefit from that power. The goal of AppLab is to transform how individuals, businesses and other parts of society use ICT to work, communicate and interact. For further information about AppLab, please contact us at applab@grameenfoundation.org.
Grameen Foundation : What we do : Technology Programs : Application Lab
Grameen Foundation uses microfinance and innovative technology to fight global poverty and bring opportunities to the world's poorest people. With tiny loans and financial services, we help the poor, mostly women, start businesses and escape poverty. Our global network of 55 microfinance institution (MFI) partners including our Growth Guarantee partners has touched more than 34 million people in 24 countries. In addition, we introduced and now sustain technology initiatives (Mifos and Village Phone) in Cameroon, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, bringing our total country outreach to 28.
+1-202-628-3560 www.grameenfoundation.org
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