http://www.infodev.org/en/Topic.8.html The latest Innovation & Entrepreneurship news from infoDev 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.infodev.org/en/Topic.8.html m2Work, which is launched today, is your chance to shape the future of microwork and to make a difference for hundreds of thousands of potential microworkers in developing countries. Microwork refers to small digital tasks people can perform anywhere to supplement their income. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.797.html Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:48:36 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.797.html M-Farm, a Kenyan SME that continues to transform agriculture, was named by infoDev as a Top 20 Access to Market and Finance selectee. This highlight celebrates the story of M-Farm's founder and CEO Jamila Abass, tracing the development of an exciting and growing initiative. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.785.html Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:52:48 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.785.html Senegalese stakeholders from the horticulture sector came together during a workshop on November 10, in order to discuss the design of a local agribusiness innovation and entrepreneurship center (AIEC). http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.773.html Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.773.html A new ICT business incubator was inaugurated on October 31st by business and government leaders in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The new Dar Teknohama Business Incubator (DTBi) will support local technology-based companies and other young entrepreneurs with high growth potential. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.770.html Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:40:49 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.770.html Report on the second stakeholder workshop held in Saint-Louis on September 6th, 2011 http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.752.html Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:44:54 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.752.html Pyramid Research recently highlighted infoDev's contribution to supporting and promoting mobile innovation in Africa and the Middle East. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.745.html Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:25:24 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.745.html infoDev is designing a new program to help facilitate the start-up and growth of innovative post-harvest agribusiness SMEs that specifically work with raw agricultural products in Senegal. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.744.html Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.744.html infoDev’s 4th Global Forum on Innovation & Technology Entrepreneurship was held in Helsinki, Finland, from May 30 – June 3, 2011. The Global Forum brought together 585 participants from 85 different countries and awarded 20 entrepreneurs with international acceleration packages. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.735.html Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:13:57 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.735.html infoDev gave its Global Forum Agribusiness Deep Dive participants the opportunity to use their knowledge and experience to help each other overcome barriers to Agribusiness sustainability. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.725.html Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:27:39 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.725.html infoDev is excited to collaborate with three SMEs to promote agribusiness entrepreneurship throughout the developing world. The companies, who are among 20 recipients of the Access to Finance and Markets Awards conferred at the Global Forum, will work closely with infoDev as they develop cutting-edge businesses that increase productivity and competitiveness. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.723.html Thu, 16 Jun 2011 09:35:14 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.723.html The World Bank’s Agriculture and Rural Development department and infoDev teamed up to initially launch two sourcebooks on agriculture innovation and ICT in agriculture at infoDev’s 4th Global Forum on Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship May 31. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.717.html Wed, 25 May 2011 17:43:35 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.717.html List of infoDev Top 50 SMEs http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.704.html Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:39:12 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.704.html http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.699.html Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.699.html http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.697.html Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:15:44 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.697.html Go to www.infodevGF.net to register today! http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.689.html Thu, 17 Mar 2011 06:16:45 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.689.html EXTENSION: infoDev is extending it's application deadline until March 31st, 2011! With so much to gain, why not apply today? http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.687.html Fri, 11 Mar 2011 19:46:09 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.687.html The Agribusiness Innovation and Entrepreneurship program at the Global Forum will dedicate a full day to promoting the start-up and growth of innovative SMEs in agribusiness in addition to showcasing agribusiness ventures at the SME fair. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.677.html Sat, 12 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.677.html Participate in an exciting program where you will meet and learn from inspiring people building tomorrow’s most innovative businesses in developing countries. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.676.html Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:28:07 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.676.html infoDev recently released a new booklet focusing on successful examples of African business incubation and telling the stories of the entrepreneurs behind these sustainable businesses! http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.670.html Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:40:16 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.670.html The southern African regional mobile application lab, based in Pretoria, will provide training and industry links to develop the skills of mobile apps entrepreneurs. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.665.html Wed, 12 Jan 2011 10:49:47 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.665.html infoDev held a workshop on December 13 as part of the ICTD2010 conference at Royal Holloway, University of London. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.659.html Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:16:07 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.659.html Valerie D’Costa stresses the importance of addressing challenges to improving rural livelihoods using entrepreneurship and innovation. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.652.html Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.652.html Organized in cooperation by Nokia and infoDev, with the support of Capgemini, the Open Africa Innovation Summit 2010 will convene 200 African thought leaders around four "Challenge streams" to identify which skills and services are needed for building innovative societies in Africa and how modern technologies can be used to accelerate the process. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.640.html Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:38:14 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.640.html As mobile technologies continue to connect and empower individuals around the world, the GSMA mWomen Programme and Vodafone have teamed up to reach out to women in developing countries by promoting innovation in mobile applications creation. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.632.html Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.632.html infoDev and the World Bank have published The Global Opportunity in IT-Based Services: Assessing and Enhancing Country Competiveness to assist policymakers and sector specialists with fully exploiting the potential of ITES. While ITES has proven to be economically important, its growth potential for developing countries warrants special attention. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.630.html Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.630.html Last week infoDev and the Sustainable Agriculture Systems, Knowledge, & Institutions department co-hosted a seminar on Post-Harvest Technology Commercialization in Africa featuring the work of the Meridian Institute and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.631.html Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:49:14 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.631.html Anyone interested or working in mobile applications in Asia is invited to take part in two free and open focus group meetings; one each in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.614.html Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.614.html “My role is to start new things”, said Eduardo da Costa, head of innovation at the Brazilian Innovation Agency (FINEP) of the Ministry of Science and Technology, at the World Bank’s DC offices on Wednesday, 22 September. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.602.html Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:03:34 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.602.html In October, the first steps will be taken towards a mobile applications lab for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Supported by the 'Creating Sustainable Businesses in the Knowledge Economy', the infoDev, Finland and Nokia partnership program, two free and open focus group discussions will be held: in Tbilisi on October 5th and in Kiev on October 7th. Mobile applications developers, mobile operators and other stakeholders will put their heads together on how best to create a mobile applications laboratory for the ECA region. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.598.html Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.598.html INSPIRE, a new locally owned and operated pilot incubator in Managua, Nicaragua, has joined the iDISC global network of business incubators. Speaking at the launch of INSPIRE, Jaime Morales Carazo, the Vice President of the Republic of Nicaragua, said the incubator will help to spur sustainable economic growth in his country. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.591.html Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.591.html The fourth in an ongoing series of 30-hour training sessions to link, educate and inform young entrepreneurs, the Minsk Start-up Weekend will be held on September 18-19, 2010. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.588.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:59:53 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.588.html According to a recent UNCTAD report, the increasing role of large developing countries in global trade, finance, investment and governance, coupled with their rapid economic growth, has stimulated debate on the implications for Africa’s development. The report examines recent trends in the economic relationships of Africa with other developing countries and the new forms of partnership that are animating those relationships. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.587.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:48:58 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.587.html A client company of infoDev's Global Network member, Belarus Hi-Tech Park, has produced a new "All-in Fitness" iPhone application, hitting the top of the Healthcare & Fitness category in more than 40 countries and making it into the Top 50 of all iPhone applications and games in more than 30 countries, including the USA. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.585.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:47:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.585.html On 29 April, 2010, infoDev and the Agriculture and Rural Development department of The World Bank held a ‘brown bag lunch’ on business incubation in the US and what lessons might be learnt for other parts of the world. The focus was on agri-business incubators. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.567.html Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.567.html As part of our ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT) of Brazil, infoDev will develop with stakeholders a recommendation for a strategy and policy for safely and productively dealing with e-waste in Brazil. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.566.html Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.566.html With mobile phone penetration continuing to expand in Africa and technology becoming both more powerful and less expensive, new trends in mobile applications are emerging. A new report by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) on mobile applications in East Africa examines the services offered - from finance to health and education - the barriers to delivery, and approaches to successfully scaling-up applications beyond the pilot stage. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.556.html Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:58:40 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.556.html Recycla Chile from Octantis Business Accelerator in Chile and Broker Inc. from YES Incubator in Macedonia have been selected as finalists for the Smart Entrepreneurship Competition held within the framework of The European Business and Innovation Center Network (EBN) Annual Congress in Burgos, Spain on June 30-July 2, 2010. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.555.html Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.555.html Held in Helsinki, Finland, on June 2-4, 2010, the International Conference organized by the United Nation Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Ministry of Employment and the Economy and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland brought together around 70 participants from the public and private sector to exchange practial experiences and lessons learned. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.554.html Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.554.html With over 500 participants, the Mongolian National Business Incubator Federation held its Inaugural Business Incubator Conference and International Forum on June 1-4, 2010 in Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar. The program featured training sessions, workshops, plenaries, panel discussions, bilateral meetings, networking luncheons, press conferences and incubator tours. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.553.html Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.553.html infoDev has published its FY09 Annual Report. The annual report documents a critical year in infoDev’s history, when the unit successfully adopted a new direction and funding model of multi-year collaborative programs pushing forward infoDev’s signature ICT4D and innovation themes. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.549.html Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.549.html The agribusiness incubation training module should be an effective "how to" course for business incubator managers and stakeholders interested in designing a new agribusiness incubator or strengthening an existing one. Deadline for submissions (by firms only, not individuals): 1-Jul-2010 http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.547.html Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:53:52 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.547.html infoDev held its Annual Symposium on 9 June, 2010 in Washington DC. An invited audience of stakeholders from leading experts and practitioners in information and innovation for development, donor agencies, partner organizations, foundations, and World Bank and IFC colleagues attended the event themed ‘Clean, Green and Mobile; Making Technology Work for the Poor’. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.545.html Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:33:58 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.545.html Carried out by Parque Tec, the first software incubator in Costa Rica and a member of infoDev's Global Network, the publication analyzes ventures in the Central America region with the same baseline methodology. The research supports policymakers and multilateral organizations in enhancing their approach towards entrepreneurship in the region. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.541.html Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.541.html In conjunction with the 9th annual Knowledge Economy Forum organized by the World Bank in Berlin in May 2010, infoDev facilitated a focus group on the impact of business incubation on entrepreneurship, with 20 representatives from the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region in attendance. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.540.html Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.540.html Aakruthi Agricultural Associates of India (AAI), an incubatee of Agri Business Incubator-ICRISAT, received the emerging enterprise Sankalp 2010 Award in the Agriculture, Food & Rural Business category. AAI received the award for its seed business venture initiative operated in partnership with ABI-ICRISAT, supporting 25 entrepreneurs in seed production. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.539.html Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.539.html At infoDev, we strive to make sure that our knowledge and collaboration tools are useful to our clients and colleagues in the innovation, technology entrepreneurship and international development communities. The best way to do this is to ask our users directly about how we are doing, how we can improve, and what else we should be working on going forward. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.528.html Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.528.html infoDev's Global Network of Business Incubators welcomes it's 300th member to idisc.net! Elevaglobal is a business incubator based in Chile, currently home to 5 client firms, focusing on the internationalization of Chilean businesses. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.527.html Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.527.html infoDev’s 4th Global Forum on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, in cooperation with the Government of Finland, will be held in Helsinki, Finland on May 30 – June 2, 2011. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.524.html Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.524.html The World Bank signed an agreement with private and public sector partners to collaborate on a joint effort to improve the lives of citizens, including in Africa, through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.525.html Wed, 28 Apr 2010 06:23:49 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.525.html Brazil is poised to transform itself into a global leader in technology and entrepreneurship, says the Christian Science Monitor. In a lead article prompted by last October’s 3rd Global Forum on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the international publication highlighted Brazil’s entrepreneurial leadership and showcased infoDev-supported incubator, the Genesis Institute. The article quotes Eduardo Costa, chief of innovation at the Brazilian Financing Agency for Projects and studies (FINEP) saying technology SMEs are an engine of economic growth and stressing the importance of incubators; “We are betting this will have a transformative effect on the country.” http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.518.html Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:50:48 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.518.html The Innovation.bg report provides a reliable annual assessment of the innovation potential of the Bulgarian economy and the condition and opportunities for development of the Bulgarian innovation system. Innovation.bg is conducted and published by infoDev's global incubator network member ARC Fund Bulgaria. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.511.html Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.511.html The Incubated Coffee/Incubated Tea is an open networking event organized by Timişoara Software Business Incubator (Romania), dedicated to the local community of start-ups and individuals. Since its launch in November 2009, it turned into a lifely platform debating ICT and innovation in Timişoara. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.509.html Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.509.html http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.505.html Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.505.html Along with the support of SEDA and infoDEV and in collaboration with the Ethekwini Municipality, the African Incubator Network, (AIN) & the Southern African Business & Technology Incubation Association, (SABTIA), organised the 3rd Conference "Growing Africa through Incubation" in Durban RSA, 17 - 19 March 2010. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.504.html Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.504.html http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.503.html Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.503.html E-learning and online training saves travel time and costs, and allows flexible timing. 109 trainees took the chance to participate in the first APIN Asia Pacific Incubation Network online training pilot “Marketing for Incubator Managers and their Clients”. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.477.html Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.477.html E-learning and online training saves travel time and costs, and allows flexible timing. 109 trainees took the chance to participate in the first APIN Asia Pacific Incubation Network online training pilot “Marketing for Incubator Managers and their Clients”. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.475.html Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.475.html The second Capacity Building Programme for the Business Incubation Managers of Asia Pacific Incubation Network (APIN) was organized by PSG-Science & Technology Entrepreneurial Park (PSG-STEP) – the APIN Secretariat - during December 10-14, 2009 in Ooty, India. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.460.html Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.460.html YES Foundation Skopje (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) issues the final report on the project 'Investment readiness of the MSME sector in South-East Europe', which was conducted in cooperation with the Dutch Foundation SPARK and supported by the SENSI and ECAbit networks. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.457.html Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.457.html These studies provide a tool for establishing sustainable incubators in developing countries. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.451.html Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.451.html The Mongolian National Business Incubators Federation MNBIF and Business Talent Women's Incubator BTWI have successfully conducted the first ever training for 42 business incubator managers in the country http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.450.html Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.450.html In the framework of the RedLAC internship program, Diego Sánchez, director of Incubator CREAME “Centro Integral de Servicios Empresarial” (Comprehensive Center for Business Services) Medellín (Colombia) has visited the 3IE Institute of the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María in Valparaíso (Chile) from 12th to 16th of October 2009. The 2009 internship program is supported by infoDev and the National Association of Technological Parks and Business Incubators of Brazil, Anprotec. The objective is to encourage the development of a collaborative network between incubators and other institutions that provide business development services in Latin America and the Caribbean. The internship program is oriented to staff members from incubators and pre-incubators. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.443.html Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.443.html Voxound, an innovative ICT startup from Chile and producer of a free music player for Windows, is the winners of the Desafío Intel 2009. The competition is organized in Chile by Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, and the infoDev global incubator network member 3IE Institute of the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María in Valparaíso. The Desafío Intel is a competition that promotes entrepreneurship in university students. It is one of the initiatives that Chile is taking to stimulate the business spirit in new generations. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.442.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.442.html October 2009 marked the new step for the Indonesian Association of Business & Technology Incubators (AIBI). A meeting hosted by the Incubator for Agribusiness and Agroindustry IPB, Bogor saw more than 26 incubators from all over Indonesia come together for a joint national meeting to revitalize the AIBI which has laid dormant for about ten years. The business & technology incubator representatives came from Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and East Nusa Tenggara (Timor) and from a range of institutions including universities, government bodies, and the private sector. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.439.html Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.439.html MobileXtreme! The Big Apps Competition was officially launched last November 7, 2009 at the TechnoHub, UP-AyalaLand in Quezon City. Bill Luz, Ayala Foundation’s Executive Vice President and Enrique Gonzalez, Chief Operating Officer of IPVG welcomed participants, media and partners to the competition. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.438.html Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.438.html SPARK International and the Institute for Brilliant Mistakes co-hosted an event - ‘Good intentions, brilliant failures’ on 22 October 2009 in Amsterdam (The Netherlands). http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.440.html Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.440.html Event marks the importance of research and development for the generation of wealth in the world and shows how companies and countries can take advantage of these values against the backdrop of financial recovery. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.410.html Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.410.html The Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) will invest up to USD 3 million in Progresa Capital, the first Colombian venture capital fund. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.417.html Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.417.html http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.416.html Sat, 01 Sep 2001 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.416.html The fourth regional conference of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia network of business incubators and technology parks will be held on September 24-26, 2009 in Gabrovo, Bulgaria. The conference is organized by ARC Fund, a member of infoDev's Global Network, in cooperation with the Gabrovo Technical University. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.415.html Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.415.html The Asia Pacific Incubation Network (APIN), an intiative supported by infoDev, gathered in Coimbatore, India on August 6-7, 2009 around the theme of "Global Recession: An Opportunity for Business Incubation?". Over 200 delegates representing 85 member organisations from 17 Asia Pacific countries participated in the conference. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.414.html Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.414.html Ben Powell, Managing Partner, is a finalist for the Social Venture Network (SVN) Award designed to inspire and support business and nonprofit entrepreneurs. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.413.html Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.413.html infoDev expands into social media ! Become one of our fans in Facebook, Twitter or Youtube. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.411.html Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.411.html Quoting recent research by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Association, Incubators New Zealand Chairman Mr. Kirkpatrick reiterates the importance of investment in business incubation and the effectiveness of business incubators as part of the job creation equation. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.406.html Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.406.html The City of Knowledge has signed an agreement with the InterAmerican Development Bank(MIF - IDB) to support the development of the entrepreneurial culture and the increase of dynamic businesses in Panama and to establish a sustainable scheme for the promotion, incubation and financing of these developments http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.404.html Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.404.html Supported by infoDev, regional coordinators of the Global Working Group on "Youth and Incubation: a Chance for a Better Future" gathered in Romania to analyze the results of regional research on the topic and to plan their participation in infoDev's 3rd Global Forum on Innovation & Entrepreneurship. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.399.html Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.399.html Within the framework of a Tour of Businesses in Chile organized by Endeavor, a delegation of Latin American entrepreneurs visited 3IE and the University Federico Santa María at the end of June 2009. The objective was to generate business opportunities and gain knowledge of the Chilean market by visiting successful companies and holding meetings with potential clients and investors. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.398.html Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.398.html The Forum is the result of a partnership between infoDev, the Brazilian Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Association of Entities Fostering Innovative Undertakings (Anprotec) and the Brazilian Service of Support to Micro and Small Businesses (Sebrae). http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.400.html Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.400.html http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.388.html Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.388.html http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.389.html Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.389.html In preparation for its 4th Asia Pacific Conference on Business Incubation in August, APIN announces the launch of its website at www.incubationasia.com. Visit the site for more information about APIN network membership and current members, capacity-building activities, and other resources for business incubation practitioners in the region! http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.387.html Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.387.html Five years after the inauguraton of Timisoara Business Incubator (UBIT), more than 40 business incubator practitioners from around and beyond Eastern Europe were hosted by UBIT and GTZ to share the experiences and lessons learned from the UBIT experience to date. One of the key discussion topics was how to transfer good practices into national policy-making and economic development efforts. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.386.html Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.386.html The World Bank Report takes an in-depth look at how ICT, and particularly broadband and mobile, are impacting economic growth in developing countries. The data section includes at-a-glance tables for 150 economies of the latest available data on ICT sector performance. Performance measures for access, affordability and applications in government and business are also introduced. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.384.html Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.384.html Innovation is key to technology adoption and creation, and to explaining the vast differences in productivity across and within countries. Owner ability, personality traits, and ethnicity have a significant and substantial impact on the likelihood of a firm innovating, confirming the importance of the entrepreneur in the innovation process. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.385.html Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.385.html Watch live from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. (Washington DC EDT) http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.382.html Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.382.html The Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) announced that USD 2 million will be provided to finance projects in the context of the ICT Innovation Program for E-Business and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Development (ICT4BUS Program). http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.379.html Tue, 12 May 2009 10:22:35 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.379.html Techpedia.in is a portal of technology projects by students to link the needs of industry and grassroots innovators with young minds and to promote collaborative research. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.378.html Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.378.html Operating for only 2 years the Business Talent Women's Incubator (BTWI) already has 15 tenants in a variety of businesses ranging from boot-making to felt clippers, sewing and ICT businesses. BTWI also virtually assists a large number of clients, who are not physically located in the incubator. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.377.html Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.377.html Following a call for candidates in March for the Global Innovators 2009 contest, infoDev is pleased to announce that it has selected eleven entrepreneurs whose success stories will be highlighted at infoDev's 3rd Global Forum on Business Incubation in October 2009. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.376.html Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.376.html Located in Colombia, the Crea-Me business incubator was recently awarded more than USD 1.6 million to establish and formalize an angel investors network. The MIF "Support for Entrepreneurs and Mobilization of Capital through Angels Investors" supports new enterprises with high growth potential by mobilizing the resources of business angel networks and seed capital funds. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.375.html Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.375.html The third in a annual series that answers your questions about the state of ICTs in the world http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.380.html Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.380.html Established in 2006, Mountain Flower (Zahrat al Jabal) is a micro-scale food processing company in Lattakia, Syria, focusing on a product line of butter and various cheeses. Mountain Flower was founded and is being operated by Sabah, who is a very dynamic 48-year old Syrian woman entrepreneur. She has worked hard with her husband to ensure a good quality of life for her household and spends most of her time taking care of the fruit trees and livestock on the farm. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.359.html Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.359.html IFC and infoDev have jointly launched an online discussion on technology transfer - the process of sharing knowledge and technologies among institutions who can further develop these technologies by creating new products and services. The purpose of this online discussion is to explore how developing countries can best facilitate the transfer and commercialization of technology from research institutions - whether from within their domestic institutions; between developing countries; or between developing and industrialized nations. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.370.html Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.370.html Launched in Chile by the International Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (3IE) of the Federico Santa Maria University of Technology (UTFSM), this project is an innovative way to support the start up of new technology companies. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.360.html Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.360.html The Tech awards committee - Technology benefiting humanity - is currently accepting 2010 nominations. Five laureates are recognized in each of the categories: Environment, Economic Development, Education, Equality and Health, and one laurete from each category receives a $50,000 prize. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.361.html Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.361.html The "Gateway to Economic Development through Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurship" workshop, hosted by the Congress of Women of the Kyrgyz Republic and funded by infoDev, convened in April to learn about and discuss strategies in the promotion and implementation of Women-focused Business Incubation and Entrepreneurship programs worldwide. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.357.html Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.357.html A dynamic and productive meeting with a range of exciting outcomes was held in Kuala Lumpur last week. Issues discussed included the upcoming APIN General Assembly, ways to develop the network and raise awareness among potential members, a new capacity building initiative that will be launched by APIN, as well as preparations for infoDev's 3rd Global Forum on Business Incubation. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.356.html Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.356.html The Georgian Association of Women in Business, a non-profit organization, has 10 years of experience in providing business incubation services and supporting small business development. Currently, it operates 3 business incubators: Tbilisi Business Incubator, Svaneti Business Incubator and the new Gori Business Incubator. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.358.html Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.358.html The Development Marketplace is a competitive grant program administered by the World Bank. The 2009 global competition is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and additional DM partners. It aims to identify 20 to 25 innovative, early-stage projects addressing climate adaptation. The DM is a unique opportunity to turn your idea into reality; if selected your project could receive up to US$200,000 in grant funding for implementation over two years. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.347.html Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.347.html VIT-Technology Business Incubator (VITTBI) based in Vellore, India, has been a member of infoDev's Global Network of Business Incubators since 2006. VITTBI will receive the 2008 National Award for Technology Business Incubators, awarded by the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board of the Government of India. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.351.html Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.351.html The Eastern European and Central Asian business incubators network (ecabit) announces the winners of the 2009 Y2i contest on innovative ideas in business and business incubation management addressing young people up to the age of 30. The contest aims to support innovative thinking and action among young people in both entrepreneurship and business incubation. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.349.html Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.349.html http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.348.html Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.348.html Ms. Valerie D'Costa, infoDev's Program Manager, invites you to reflect on the theme for the 3rd infoDev Global Forum on Business Incubation - Innovation and Venture Creation for Inclusive Development - and send us your thoughts to help shape the Global Forum 2009 agenda and activities. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.346.html Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.346.html The Technology and Business Incubation Facility in Kigali, Rwanda, has been named a finalist for the National Business Incubation Association’s 2009 Incubator of the Year award in the nontechnology category. The winner of the prestigious award will be announced on April 21, 2009 at NBIA’s 23rd International Conference on Business Incubation in Kansas City, USA. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.350.html Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.350.html The 3rd Global Forum on Business Incubation will be held in Florianopolis, Brazil on October 26-30, 2009. This new date and location enables both partners to integrate the 3rd infoDev Global Forum with ANPROTEC's 19th Brazilian National Seminar on Science Parks and Business Incubation. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.345.html Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.345.html infoDev is seeking 15-20 successful entrepreneurs working on innovations in sectors such as agriculture, information technology, tourism and sustainable energy / clean technology. Successful applicants will be named 2009 Global Forum Innovators and have their stories highlighted at the 3rd infoDev Global Forum on Business Incubation in October 2009. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.343.html Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.343.html The Inter-American Development Bank, in its 50th anniversary, is launching an Energy Innovation Contest. Its goal is to find original responses to the energy challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean today. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.339.html Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.339.html The National E-Business Incubator (NeBI), in collaboration with the University of Technology Jamaica, will host a series of training workshops during February-April 2009 for developing the capacity of small businesses. Training will provided in areas including ICTs, Marketing, Human Resource Management, and small business Legal Requirements. NeBI is a member of infoDev's Global Network of Business Incubators. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.341.html Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.341.html http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.338.html Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.338.html Initiated and financed by infoDev, the Global Working Group on Youth & Innovation already comprises more than 20 experts from infoDev's Global Network of Business Incubators, committed to fostering youth entrepreneurship within the broader context of innovation and business incubation. Read the Working Group's first activity update. Global Network members are welcome to join! http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.337.html Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.337.html The International Technology Incubation Forum will be held on March 16-17, 2009 in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Forum will be followed by a 2-day Incubation Manager Training Workshop at the BADIR-ICT Technology Incubator. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.340.html Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.340.html Following a Request for Proposals infoDev has provided grants for building three global thematic work groups as part of infoDev’s 's Global Incubation Network. These work groups are being set up for learning more about how to effectively serve women and youth through business incubation and about models for spurring high growth enterprises in ICT-enabled sectors in the poorer developing countries. This article highlights some of the activities that are currently underway in the working group on women-focused business incubation. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.325.html Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.325.html Parque Tec, a Costa Rican business accelerator based in San José and a member of infoDev's Global Network, was appointed by the German Development Bank and The Central American Bank for Economic Integration to conduct the first diagnosis on entrepreneurship in the seven Central American countries. This study will foster regional entrepreneurial capacity and broader economic growth in these countries. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.320.html Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.320.html The Skoll Awards are designed for leaders who contribute value to a peer network committed to continuous learning. By telling their stories, they join in the foundation’s ongoing celebration of the power of social entrepreneurs. The Skoll Awards provide later-stage funding, which is generally structured as a $1 million award paid out over three years. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.319.html Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.319.html The ecabit network Y2i contest on innovative ideas in business and incubation management among young people will invite three winners to infoDev’s 3rd Global Forum on Business Incubation in Brasilia, Brazil in May 2009. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.313.html Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.313.html http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.318.html Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.318.html Opportunities in the Argentinian venture capital market continue to grow. So far, investments have been made into tens of companies, helping to create hundreds of new jobs. However, in 2008, less than 10% of available venture capital funds have been invested. IECyT conducted research to better understand Argentinian venture capital market trends and industry sectors, as well as the motivations of venture capital agents, to help bridge the gap between supply and demand for venture capital in the country. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.317.html Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.317.html The MENAinc workshop gathered more than 30 participants representing 8 countries from infoDev's MENAinc Network. Issues including regional business incubation trends and perspectives as well the Moroccan business incubation experience were discussed. The network elected a new Board of Directors and deepened cooperation around core working groups including technology entrepreneurship and commercialization of innovation. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.315.html Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.315.html http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.314.html Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.314.html The 2008 World Bank Group Entrepreneurship Survey measures entrepreneurial activity in over 100 developing and industrial countries over the period 2000-07. In its third year, the survey incorporates improvements in methodolody, and the database includes cross-country, time-series data on the number of total and newly registered businesses, collected directly from registrar of companies in our 100 countries around the world. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.316.html Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.316.html GloTech Organics is a research-based technology venture dedicated to the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of agro-based value added products that preserve soil and water, increase plant productivity under a crop eco-system. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.304.html Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.304.html Do you have an entrepreneurial and innovative idea that is locally-driven and has great potential to contribute to sustainable development in developing countries? In January 2009, the SEED Initiative will be launching its call for proposals for the 2009 SEED Awards for entrepreneurship in sustainable development. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.312.html Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.312.html Bharath Agro Products is a venture incubated at the Tiruchirappalli Regional Engineering College - Science & Technology Entrepreneurs Park (TREC-STEP), a member and grantee of infoDev's Global Network of Business Incubators and one of the winners at the Development Marketplace 2008. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.305.html Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.305.html As global competition intensifies and innovation becomes riskier and more costly, the business sector has been internationalising knowledge-intensive corporate functions, including R&D. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.306.html Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.306.html The BIOS Incubator Osijek, a member of infoDev's Global Network of Business Incubators, is working in cooperation with the Agency for Market Research to conduct annual analyses of market conditions for business incubators in Croatia. The report provides insight on cooperation among entrepreneurs, government institutions and local self-government, as well as guidance for future founders of business incubators. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.302.html Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.302.html An initiative of the Colombo Declaration adopted at the conference on "South-South Cooperation for Technology Transfer and Development for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)" held in Sri Lanka in August 2008, this newsletter aims to provide information about available technologies, experts, and technical requirements in developing countries. Access the first edition of the SME Technology Transfer Newsletter here! http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.301.html Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.301.html The contest was organized within the framework of the EurOffice Project, where 80 Science Parks from Europe and the rest of world have partnered for creating a set of new venture incubation practices in globalization. The project is partly funded by the European Commission to promote dynamic international networking opportunities and to open international markets for small innovative firms, start-ups and SMEs. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.292.html Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.292.html The journal is an initiative of the Asian Association of Business Incubators, sponsored by KOBIA the Korean Business Incubation Association. It aims to establish channels of communication and to disseminate knowledge between policy makers, experts and professionals working in universities, government departments, research institutions, as well as industry and related business. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.290.html Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.290.html The International Conference on "South-South Cooperation for Technology Transfer and Development for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)", jointly organised by the National Science Foundation and the National Science and Technology Commission of Sri Lanka and the Centre for Science and Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre) was held from 18-22 August 2008. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.291.html Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.291.html The 13th AABI General Assembly will be held in Seoul, Korea from Oct 29 - Nov 2, 2008. AABI General Assemblies provide an excellent opportunity to network with the leading business incubation professionals and organizations in Asia. The 13th Assembly is organized by Korea Business Incubation Association (KOBIA) and sponsored by the Korean Small and Medium Business Administration (SMBA). http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.289.html Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:29:36 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.289.html The Shanghai International Technology Transfer Network (SITTNet) aims at integrating company resources dealing with international technology transfer, strengthening linkages among universities, institutions and enterprises, promoting the effective flow of science & technology information and resources, as well as accelerating business cooperation and high-tech product foreign trade with China. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.288.html Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:14:13 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.288.html A Technical Cooperation (TC) Project of the Biodiversity National Institute Association (INBio) will assess the feasibility of creating an incubator in Costa Rica to support biotechnology firms. This project is partially financed by the Chilean Fund for Technological Innovation Support for Central America and Dominican Republic, with technical assistance from Octantis Business Incubator. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.287.html Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.287.html In cooperation with regional Centers for Entrepreneurship in Croatia, the BIOS Business Incubator hosted the 2nd International Conference on Knowledge Based Competitive Entrepreneurship in Osijek in September 2008. Held under the patronage of the President of Croatia, the conference brought together over 150 participants to exchange knowledge and best practices on the subject. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.286.html Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.286.html Baltic Dynamics is annual international conference organized in rotation by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania focusing on innovation and competitiveness related topics. Last year Baltic Dynamics 2007 took place in Riga, Latvia. This year "Baltic Dynamics 2008" was held in Tartu, Estonia, 3-5 September, under the theme: "Innovation – Key from Slowdown to Growth". http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.285.html Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.285.html Proposals were submitted in response to the Call for Proposals under the Korean Turst Fund for ICT for Development. The Korean Trust Fund finances projects chosen followig a competitive selection process of proposals received from operational units for the World Bank. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.277.html Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.277.html More than 200 participants from about 20 countries across Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECA) gathered in Tambov, Russia, to discuss the potential and challenges for innovation and SME development outside the megapolises in the ECA region. Focus areas included education and youth, social innovation, industrial and technology innovation, tourism and agriculture, including a training session on local economic development and stakeholder management. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.284.html Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.284.html Building on a series of activities in the Middle East & North Africa network of business incubators and technology parks, the MENAinc network will convene in Morocco on Oct 29-31 to discuss the important role of business incubators and technology parks in national and regional economic growth. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.266.html Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.266.html The African Incubator Network (AIN) regional representatives gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in September 2008 to cement the network's action plan for the coming year. Supported by infoDev, the meeting brought together AIN sub-regional representatives and infoDev staff, and gave AIN the opportunity to present African incubation models and achievements to the Directorate of the African Union. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.263.html Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.263.html Building on infoDev's support to the development of its activities, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has compiled a book to provide basic operational guidelines for managers of technology-based business incubators, university business incubators, as well as generic business incubators, and to help stakeholders better understand the concept of business incubation and its impact on economic development. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.272.html Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.272.html More than $4 million was awarded in seed money to 22 innovative agricultural projects at the end of the 2008 Development Marketplace, a competitive grant program organized by the World Bank to fund innovation in development. infoDev is pleased to announce that a member of its Global Network of Business Incubators was awarded for its Mini Cold Storage Ventures project. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.271.html Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.271.html The Paraguayan, Argentinean and Brazilian Network of Business Incubators (RePABI) constitutes the first network of business incubators across Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.267.html Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.267.html Economic growth and social wealth in the Eastern European and Central Asian region increasingly depends on the ability to foster economic and social development and innovation in small and medium sized towns and rural areas, where business incubators, other business development instruments and the government play a key role. Sharing international experiences about such innovation development is the objective of this international conference. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.265.html Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.265.html IFC distributes the SME Toolkit in several countries by partnering with local organizations that translate the product into local languages and offer relevant content in areas such as business regulations, sources of financing, and local business directories. The Toolkit was launched in Benin with H&C Business Technologies on Feb 26th. BusyInternet, a member of the infoDev Global Network of Business Incubators, will host the Toolkit in Ghana. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.252.html Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.252.html infoDev study finds that ICT plays an important role in facilitating the modernization and improved economic performance of firms in transition economies. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.247.html Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.247.html A key finding from infoDev's Incubator Initiative and our country work on growth and competitiveness is that there is little available financing for technology entrepreneurs. Without appropriate financing, the inevitable result is a significant slowdown in the business development process, which, in a fast moving business such as ICT, may ultimately jeopardize chances of success. To better understand the financial challenges facing technology entrepreneurs, infoDev commissioned this study, which assesses the current efforts by multilateral institutions and investors to address the financing needs of ICT and ICT-enabled SMEs in developing countries, and identifies the key challenges and constraints to meeting these needs. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.243.html Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.243.html The conference is supported by infoDev, the Ministry for Economic Development of the Russian Federation, VTB Bank 24 and the Government of Tambov region. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.248.html Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.248.html The incubator selected 12 women (from 60 applicants) in the information and communication technology field for its Empowering Women in ICT 18-month mentoring program, which aims to develop role models and encourage South African women to become ICT entrepreneurs. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.251.html Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.251.html The 6th MENAinc workshop, "Entrepreneurship Development and Promotion of Innovation in MENA Countries through Cooperation between Business Incubators” was held on June 3 -5, 2008, in Damascus, Syria. More than 200 participants from over 30 countries took part in the event hosted by the Syrian Computer Society and supported by infoDev. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.242.html Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.242.html Proposals were submitted in response to RFP "Promoting ICT-enabled Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries through Business Incubation" http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.234.html Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.234.html http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.244.html Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.244.html The seventh annual Knowledge Economy Forum (KEF VII) on “Technology Absorption by Innovative Small and Medium Enterprises” took place in Ancona, Italy on June 17-19, 2008. The event was co-hosted by the World Bank Vice-Presidency for the Europe and Central Asia region (ECA) together with the Universitá Politecnica delle Marche. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.241.html Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.241.html The incubator selected 12 women (from 60 applicants) in the information and communication technology field for its Empowering Women in ICT 18-month mentoring program, which aims to develop role models and encourage South African women to become ICT entrepreneurs. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.240.html Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.240.html One of the first tenant companies of YES Incubator, a member of the infoDev Global Network of Business Incubators, won a large-scale tender of the Government of the Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia in July 2008 aiming to provide free ICT trainings for more than 7000 citizens. The “Macedonia – Country of Information Technology“ program aims to extend ICTs to citizens by increasing the Internet penetration rate, PC literacy and PC access. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.249.html Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.249.html Tiruchirappalli Regional Engineering College - Science & Technology Entrepreneurs Park (TREC-STEP) from India has been selected as a finalist among 100 candidates for the DM2008 awards. 1,768 proposals were submitted for this year's competition. TREC-STEP has been a member of infoDev's Global Network of Business Incubators since 2004. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.231.html Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.231.html The infoDev Network of Business Incubators and Technology Parks in Eastern Europe and Central Asia conducted a survey to better understand the motivations behind the internationalization opportunities that business incubators face as a result of globalization. The findings were presented by ECAbit members at the International Conference for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Regional Development 2008 held in Macedonia. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.232.html Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.232.html Co-published by The World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Doing Business Report 2008 is the fifth in a series of annual reports investigating the regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. In particular, it identifies countries where to do business, from the easiest to the most difficult places, through indicators on business regulations and the protection of property rights. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.233.html Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.233.html Thirteen youth organizations from Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus received $232,000 in grants on April 4, 2008, from a World Bank led initiative supporting innovative development projects. The organizations are the winners of Youth Development Marketplace (DM) 2008, a competitive grant program of the World Bank. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.220.html Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.220.html UKBI is the UK's authority on the development and support of incubation environments. The 1st Global Business Incubation Day will celebrate the global impact of business incubation and highlight the role that business incubation has in growing innovation and entrepreneurship. Over 40 nations are already getting ready - UKBI welcomes ideas for celebrating and participating in this day! http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.227.html Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:23:07 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.227.html Read about: Turning refugee women into entrepreneurs in Bosnia, Developing telecommunications in Moldova, Creating jobs from cookies in FYR Macedonia. These stories speak of hope, imagination and entrepreneurial spirit and includes a special focus on Ukraine where the EBRD is holding its 2008 Annual Meeting. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.226.html Sun, 25 May 2008 08:50:57 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.226.html infoDev has received 90 proposals from 39 countries as the result of the Call for Proposals on its initative to promote ICT-enabled Innovation and Entrepreneurship in developing countries through business Incubation. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.228.html Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.228.html The project is part of infoDev's innovation and entrepreneurship program which supports a global business incubation network of over 80 incubators in 53 countries. The deadline for submission of EOIs is May 9, 2008 by 11:59pm (EST) http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.214.html Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.214.html Scholarships are being made available to developing country applicants wishing to study on either of the following University of Manchester one-year Masters degrees: "MSc in ICTs for Development" or "MSc in Management and Information Systems: Change & Development". http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.219.html Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.219.html The Congress of Women of the Kyrgyz Republic, the first women-focused business incubator in the country, was opened in Kyrgyzstan in 2004. Since then, the incubator has organized several events to bring together important thinkers and change agents who contribute to the social and economic development of Kyrgystan and the region. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.218.html Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.218.html This article provides a brief history and overview of the numbers of incubators in the world. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.223.html Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.223.html The UNESCO International Conference and Exhibition on Knowledge Parks provides a platform for key players around the world to help translate the concept of knowledge societies into concrete solutions for development. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.210.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.210.html infoDev requests expression of interest from eligible organizations for a new project titled "Promoting ICT-enabled Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries through Business incubation". Deadline to submit proposals is April 15th, 2008. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.200.html Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.200.html http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.206.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.206.html The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) is a not-for-profit academic research consortium that carries out high quality international data research on entrepreneurial activity readily available to as wide an audience as possible. GEM is the largest single study of entrepreneurial activity in the world. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.204.html Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.204.html The Tech Museum Awards is an international Awards program that honors innovators from around the world who are applying technology to benefit humanity. Nominate your organization or a partner! The deadline for nominations has been extended until April 7, 2008. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.203.html Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.203.html IFC distributes the SME Toolkit in several countries by partnering with local organizations that translate the product into local languages and offer relevant content in areas such as business regulations, sources of financing, and local business directories. The Toolkit was launched in Benin with H&C Business Technologies on Feb 26th. BusyInternet, a member of the infoDev Global Network of Business Incubators, will host the Toolkit in Ghana. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.192.html Sun, 09 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.192.html infoDev has commissioned a new set of video case studies that can viewed on Youtube! The videos include the Tianjin Women's Business Incubator in China, the Enterprise Innovation Fund in Armenia, and the Jordan iPARK. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.193.html Sun, 09 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.193.html The UNESCO International Conference and Exhibition on Knowledge Parks provides a platform for key players around the world to help translate the concept of knowledge societies into concrete solutions for development. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.196.html Sun, 09 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.196.html The SEED Awards for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development is an annual international competition, designed to support locally-led, innovative, entrepreneurial partnerships in developing countries, which have the potential to make real improvements in poverty eradication and environmental sustainability. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.187.html Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.187.html GK3 marked the tenth anniversary of the GKP in a celebration of its efforts towards harnessing emerging technologies for sustainable development and in making access to the technologies affordable. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.170.html Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.170.html The Applied Research and Communications Fund of Bulgaria and the Center for Research and Consulting on Management at Hanoi University of Technology, Vietnam won a research project on the topic of knowledge transfer, innovation and R&D, awarded by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.168.html Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.168.html http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.167.html Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.167.html The Trust Fund will help foster the information and communications technology agenda in developing countries. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.152.html Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.152.html TBIF was showcased to high-level officials from Rwanda, the World Bank and ITU to demonstrate the impact of business incubation on private sector development. The visit was organized on the occasion with the Connect Africa Summit held in Kigali on 29-30, October, 2007. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.151.html Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.151.html The 5th MENAinc Workshop, “Shaping the Future through Innovation and Entrepreneurship”, brought together over 150 experts and stakeholders from over 30 countries around the MENA region and beyond. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.149.html Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.149.html “All the countries in this region compete globally. This conference is an opportunity for us to share experiences and learn from global approaches to implementing innovation policies in the region and for developing the competitiveness of small countries in a regional context. It is important to build bridges on the institutional, financing and business environment levels in order to ensure forward-looking and sustainable policies for innovation and entrepreneurship.” H.E. Mr. Nerses Yeristyan, Minister of Trade and Economic Development of the Republic of Armenia http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.137.html Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.137.html The conference highlighted the importance and potential of business incubation in the Latin American and Caribbean region, both as an industry to promote and support entrepreneurship, and as an instrument for reaching broader economic growth and knowledge economy goals. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.124.html Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:56:28 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.124.html The African Incubator Network (AIN) has attracted significant attention over the previous few months. The goal of the AIN is to develop a collaborative Pan-African network of business incubators and other business development service providers. The results of the three workshops held in July helped to move the AIN further towards this goal. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.126.html Wed, 15 Aug 2007 19:05:25 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.126.html A summary of the Executive Forum on "Business Incubation as an Effective Tool for Economic Development" held on 22nd June 2007 in Bangkok, Thailand http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.120.html Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:41:55 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.120.html ARC Foundation recently presented its Innovation.BG 2007 report. The report provides an in-depth assessment of the country's innovation system performance and the innovation potential of Bulgarian businesses. A new feature in this year's analysis is the inclusion of an Innovation Index of Bulgarian Enterprises. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.122.html Thu, 12 Jul 2007 16:11:01 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.122.html The 4th MENAinc Workshop held in Elgazala Technopark in Tunis, Tunisia, May 22-24, 2007 continued the development of the infoDev business incubation network in the Middle East and North Africa. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.119.html Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:39:29 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.119.html Vellore Institute of Technology, Technology Business Incaubtor (VIT-TBI), an infoDev grantee, organized an International conference on Business Incubation with the support of infoDev and Department of Science and Technology, Govt.of India in Vellore. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.113.html Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:57:11 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.113.html http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.116.html Mon, 18 Jun 2007 15:41:04 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.116.html The Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) today announced the approval of a US$2.7 million grant for pilot information and communication technology (ICT) projects for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Latin America. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.115.html Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:17:35 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.115.html A series of regional workshops on business incubation, entrepreneurship and innovation will be held between July and October, 2007. These workshops will bring together the regional networks of business incubators to raise awareness for the role of business incubation in supporting local innovation, to provide capacity building for incubator managers and to strengthen and expand the regional networks. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.107.html Tue, 01 May 2007 10:42:16 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.107.html The Viasphere Technopark (VST) implements a systemic innovation management system, where innovation processes are designed holistically. This means that desisgns are integrated into a single overarching strategy for innovation, including strategy innovation, new product development, creative approaches to problem solving, and idea management. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.114.html Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:12:34 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.114.html Angolan Minister of Public Administration, Employment and Social Security, the Honorable Mr. Pitra Neto, inaugurated the infoDev-supported business incubator in Luanda on May 1st. Minister Neto highlighted that the purpose of the business incubator is the creation and strengthening of new businesses and enhance job generation and maintenance. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.109.html Wed, 02 May 2007 17:30:32 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.109.html infoDev and the Development Marketplace are leveraging their respective networks of business incubators and innovative entrepreneurs and businesses to effectively address core developmental challenges. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.110.html Wed, 02 May 2007 19:05:54 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.110.html The following video case studies provide an overview of the role business incubators play in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in developing countries. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.91.html Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.91.html As part of his trip to Ghana to celebrate the country's 50th Anniversary of its independence, Mr. Paul Wolfowitz, President of the World Bank, visited BusyInternet, an ICT center, which also houses an infoDev-supported business incubator. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.99.html Sun, 04 Mar 2007 11:22:33 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.99.html In search of success, entrepreneurs in developing countries from Brazil to Vietnam are turning to ICT-enabled business incubators. The World Bank website currently features stories and videos from infoDev's Business Incubator Initiative. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.93.html Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:48:07 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.93.html A short inventory of known projects and programs aimed at introducing affordable ICT devices in developing countries, many targeting the education sector http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.82.html Mon, 11 Dec 2006 13:53:31 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.82.html The 2nd Global Forum on Business Incubation, jointly organized by infoDev and the Department of Science & Technology of the Government of India, along with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, opened on Monday November 6. The Forum brings together experts and stakeholders from around the globe to exchange knowledge and ideas on how Information & Communication Technology (ICT)-led innovation and entrepreneurship can drive growth and competitiveness in developing countries. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.78.html Mon, 06 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.78.html How can Ghana harness ICT to complete regionally and internationally in growing market for IT-enabled services (ITES-BPO)? A recently published infoDev report, commissioned in partnership with the Government of Ghana and the World Bank Group, provides a framework for evaluating the key drivers for the IT-enabled service sector (ITES-BPO), compares Ghana with other regional and global competitors in ITES-BPO and makes concrete recommendations on how to enable growth in this sector. These recommendations are being addressed as part of the $40 million World Bank e-Ghana project. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.66.html Wed, 13 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.66.html infoDev has recommended 29 incubator proposals for grant funding, and final decisions are expected shortly. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.10.html Thu, 16 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.10.html Report highlights opportunities for achieving core development objectives by bridging the gap between demand and supply of ICT services to meet the information and communication needs of rural and underserved communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.13.html Tue, 25 Oct 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.13.html infoDev has received 141 proposals from 64 countries in response to the Request for Proposals, which closed on December 12th, 2005, for a new round of grants under its Business Incubator Initiative. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.11.html Wed, 19 Oct 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.11.html R.M.P. Jawahar, Executive Director of Triuchirappalli Regional Engineering College – Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Park (TREC-STEP), presented lessons learned from the business incubation experience in India. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.16.html Tue, 24 May 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.16.html infoDev Presents Final Report of "Improving Competitiveness and Increasing Economic Diversification in the Caribbean: The Role of ICT" at World Bank brown bag lunch http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.18.html Wed, 27 Apr 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.18.html The Industry Standard, a provider of news and analysis on the internet economy, highlights enterprises in Africa funded by infoDev's incubator initiative. http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.20.html Tue, 22 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.20.html