The Philippines AppBridge Challenge, turning ideas for local solutions into reality through mobile phones

An initiative of the World Economic Forum and selected as a Commitment of the 2011 Clinton Global Initiative, AppBridge turns ideas for local solutions into reality through mobile phones. An online platform enabling the creation, submission and distribution of free mobile applications that facilitate education, employment and economic opportunity for disadvantaged young people, AppBridge is a collaborative online ecosystem.

In spite of record GDP growth in the Philippines, over 26% of the people live in poverty. 23.1 million Filipinos, about a third of the 90 million total population lives on less than US$2 a day, one of the highest in Southeast Asia.

How do we empower those in poverty when education, job-skill training, mentorship, access to capital, computers and the web remain out of reach many? One answer already lies in their hands: The mobile phone.

There are over 5 billion mobile phone users globally – 4 billion people have access to phones but do not have access to the internet. In the Philippines, over 91% of the population uses mobile phones. Mobile applications for Smartphones and tablets are changing our lives – the way we communicate, work, and have fun. Globally, over 1 million Smartphone apps can be downloaded with a tap of a finger at negligible cost. But today, most mobile applications are designed for those who have and not those in poverty who have most to gain from tools that can help elevate themselves. We want to change this.

The Ideas & Apps Philippines Challenge

IDEAS CHALLENGE: Propose innovative solutions to local problems, using mobile communications.
APPS CHALLENGE: Create and launch mobile solutions that offer real-time, real-world solutions, using mobile features like SMS, voice, and Smartphone apps, to improve the lives of people who are in need or at risk.

Find out more here.

Challenge yourself.