The annual APEC App Challenge is open for applications! Talented software developers and designers from across the APEC region are invited to digitally enable micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and underrepresented communities to encourage them to be more involved in global trade.
The region-wide coding competition, a joint initiative of US APEC 2023 and the APEC Secretariat with support from the Asia Foundation and Google, challenges participating teams to build an online tool, platform, mobile site, or app that will help engage MSMEs and underrepresented communities, and benefit in global digitally enabled trade.
In most APEC economies, over 98 percent of enterprises are considered to be small businesses which contribute to 60 percent of total employment. A report by the APEC Policy Support Unit showed that less than 2 percent of all small businesses export goods and most of these businesses are in the services sector.
This year’s app challenge will be a hybrid coding event that will include a virtual portion for all participants and an in-person component for selected finalists. Teams with the most compelling application will continue developing their solution through an in-person pitching event in Seattle this coming August, during the Third APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings.
The winners will be announced at the upcoming APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting and will bring home a USD5,000 cash prize for the first place winner, and USD3,000 and USD2,000 for the second and third place winner, respectively.
Deadline: Friday, 19 May at 23:59 Singapore or GMT+7.
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