At Applab, we believe that mobile phones hold great potential for improving the lives and livelihoods of millions of poor people around the world.

AppLab seeks to engage with organizations, government entities and socially-minded companies interested in better understanding and meeting the needs of the poor. This can include application and business model development, information dissemination and information collection.

 

Click here to find out more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grameen Foundation today released a new study showcasing the first technology-for-development initiative to use the Progress out of Poverty Index™(PPI™) to demonstrate its social mission.  PT Rekan Usaha Mikro Anda (Ruma), an Indonesian social business that promotes mobile phone business microfranchises to poor entrepreneurs, selected the tool to ensure it was accurately targeting and reaching those clients.  The study is the first in a new series that will profile the innovative uses of the poverty assessment tool. Read more here.

 

Grameen Foundation, together with Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), through its Wireless Reach™ initiative, and Bakrie Telecom, today announced the launch of the Application Laboratory in Indonesia (AppLab Indonesia).  Building on Grameen Foundation’s pioneering AppLab initiative in Uganda, AppLab Indonesia delivers new and innovative products, information services and business opportunities tailored to the needs of the poor and specifically designed to increase their incomes. Read more here.

 

In Uganda, Applab is establishing a network of Community Knowledge Workers, trusted village residents who are equiped with and trained on the use of mobile phones to share agricultural information with fellow rural, mostly poor farmers.

The intermediarries inform farmers on market prices, improved agricultural techniques and weather forecast among other critical areas.

 

This initiative of the AppLab is described here

on America.gov

 

For big picture context, also see this Washington Posts article on Grameen Foundation's work in creating technology solutions for the poor.