Grameen Foundation developed the AppLab concept in late 2006 and initiated work on the ground in Uganda in October, 2008. We work closely with end users and strategic partners to identify, develop, test, deploy and scale technologies that meet fundamental needs while developing business models to ensure sustainability. To make AppLab a reality, Grameen has established close working relationships with a number of partners:

 

 

 

AppLab Uganda is made possible through a collaboration between Grameen Foundation, Google, MTN Uganda and Google.org. This partnership taps into the core expertise of each organization, and there is a strong synergy between the partners as we complement each other on what each brings to this initiative.

• Google is the worldwide leader in search technology, organizing the world's information and making it accessible.
• Grameen Foundation has extensive experience using technology as an enabler for building sustainable and scalable business models designed to improve the lives and livelihoods of the poor
• MTN operates the platform of Village Phone Operators and Shared Phone Operators in Uganda-a unique distribution channel for reaching underserved markets, as well as the communication infrastructure serving the whole country.
• Google.org seeks to assess the potential for mobile applications to provide socially relevant information for rural enterprises and households in East Africa.

• Grameen Foundation developed the AppLab concept in 2006 and brought Google and MTN Uganda together as its partners. It leads all efforts on-the-ground in Uganda, which includes research to understand needs, identification of most appropriate applications, engagement with local partners to develop and customize content and piloting and testing applications to bring them to launch and scaling
• Google's role is to provide human and technology resources towards the development of the application solutions.
• MTN Uganda provides the communications infrastructure, general on-the-ground support as well as marketing support and leverages its unparalleled distribution network to ensure rural users are aware of and able to benefit from the services.
• Google.org contributes to the focus on rural community development and assessment of the impact of the project.

  The Shared Objectives for the Partnership