[AusNOG] ISIF - New ICT grants program for Asia Pacific

[Elly Tawhai]

ISIF channels important funding into the Asia Pacific ICT community

Technological innovation is crucial in today's challenging market
circumstances. Key players in the ICT world recognize this and are
coming together to launch a new grants program for the Asia Pacific
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) community.

The Information Society Innovation Fund (ISIF) is a joint initiative
between the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC),
the Internet Society (ISOC), and the Asia Pacific Network Information
Centre (APNIC), aimed at stimulating creative solutions to ICT
development needs in the Asia Pacific region.

ISIF provides grants of up to US$30,000 per project to help advance
local and regional projects aimed at introducing, improving, and
applying Internet and other digital communications technologies for the
benefit of Asia-Pacific users and communities.

APNIC Director General Paul Wilson states, "Innovative projects, such as
the ones funded by ISIF, are a significant driver to Internet and
technology growth in our region. APNIC encourages members of the Asia
Pacific ICT community to submit their projects for consideration."

"ISOC believes that the Internet can contribute to a better quality of
life for people all over the world," says ISOC President and CEO Lynn
St. Amour. "ISIF helps ensure that local knowledge and experience is
directed at tapping the potential of ICTs to address real-world problems
with creative, innovative solutions."

"In Asia Pacific the Internet and the Mobile phone development are on
different trajectories. We hope the ISIF research fund can help
illuminate and address the new 'digital divergence' in our region", says
Richard Fuchs, chair of the ISIF Grants Committee and Regional Director
at IDRC, Southeast and East Asia.

Project proposals from Asia-Pacific based public or private sector
organisations, university or research and development institutions, and
non-government organisations will be considered. Applications must be
aligned with ISIF program objectives, selection criteria and
administrative guidelines. Individuals are not eligible for grants.

The ISIF grant round for 2008 is now open and applications are due 1
September 2008. A total of US$375,000 will be available for grants in
2008. Grants will be made on a competitive basis and successful
applicants will be required to make project details, outcomes and
findings publicly available.

Complete information on the program and how to apply is available on the
ISIF website at www.isif.asia.

ISIF is proudly sponsored by the DotAsia Organisation, the registry
operator for the .ASIA top level domain.

For more information:

Sylvia Cadena | ISIF Program Officer
info at isif.asia
http://www.isif.asia