The Ministry of Economy and Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF) in partnership with USAID/Armenia and Microsoft RA announce an IT Idea Grant Contest under the Establishment of Microsoft Innovation Center (MIC) in Armenia Project.

The goal of the contest is to develop and apply innovative IT solutions that will help in addressing Armenia-specific as well as global development issues.  The proposed programs can be designed for any sector and propose IT solutions for increasing  effectiveness and productivity in all sectors of economy, including but not limited to  government, business, social sectors and community development.  Special attention will be given to proposals presented in the framework of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). 

Eligibility criteria include: 

1. teamwork (each team can have up to five members, including the team leader);
2. eligible team members are young citizens of Armenia (up to 35 years old).  

The deadline for submitting Applications is December 3, 2010.

The main phases of the Contest include:

1. Submission of Applications – December 3, 2010
2. Preliminary assessment and creation of the shortlist of applicants – December 3-9, 2010
3. Preparation of Team Presentations – December 9-20, 2010
4. Final presentations, evaluation, and awards ceremony – December 20, 2010

Awards - the best three Teams will receive monetary prizes up to AMD 500,000 each.