"Ministry of Data" is an open data challenge that encourages creative potential and the use of ICT skills in using open data for the development of e-solutions such as apps, platforms, visualizations. The focuses of the challenge are solutions for improving the transparency, inclusiveness, and quality of life in cities of the Western Balkans. The teams can apply until December 6th, 2016.
The teams can be students, activists, start-ups, NGOs, representatives of business sector or all of the above! Applicants should use open data to design an e-service, mobile application or any other technology project which will make the lives of citizens in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia or Kosovo better.
Jelena Berković, executive director of GONG, said:
The challenge strengthens civic engagement around open public data and contributes to building a stable regional open data community. A strong interest of civil society in open data is crucial for increasing transparency and accountability of public institutions.
The finalists – top 10 teams – will develop their ideas at the bootcamp in Zagreb in February 2017. The winners, two best teams from the bootcamp, will win $2.500 and the incubation support for their team (four months of individualized mentoring support to complete the application). A special prize of $2.500 will be awarded by the GDI Group to those teams who will have the best idea for using spatial data.
For more information please visit: ministryofdata.info, Facebook page or follow the hashtag: #Mdata16
Ministry of Data was designed by UNDP and this year it is implemented by GONG and TechSoup. It is financially supported by the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, and GDI Group.