Innovative ideas sought for web or mobile applications using government data.

An initiative to spur the innovative use of government data in web or mobile apps.

Wanted: Innovative ideas for web or mobile applications using government data. This is the call that will go out to all Singapore residents when the ideas4apps Challenge is launched on 30 January 2012.

Organised by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and Ministry of Finance, the ideas4apps Challenge is a key initiative under the Whole-of-Government data.gov.sg programme which aims to facilitate the easy discovery of, and access to, government datasets to support the co-creation of innovative applications. These applications are expected to bring more convenience to users, enabling them to access information while on the go, given the rising number of sophisticated smartphone users in Singapore.

For the Challenge, each submission must include the use of at least one government data set. However, participants need not specify exactly which dataset to use – they can simply make a suggestion as to the types of data that would be needed for the application. Prior knowledge of application development is not needed either.

The ideas can be submitted online at http://ideas.data.gov.sg from 30 January to 9 March 2012. Shortlisted ideas will be published on the website from 19 March 2012 to 2 April 2012 for public voting. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 10 ideas (mobile or web) with additional prizes for the top three mobile application ideas.

The winners will be announced on 12 April 2012.