PRESS RELEASE

 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR LOCAL ICT INDUSTRY

 

 

10 July 2010 – The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) would like to announce the opening of the AITI Grant Scheme application for the local ICT industry players.

Chief Executive of AITI, Haji Yahkup Haji Menudin


According to the Chief Executive of AITI, Haji Yahkup Haji Menudin, this grant scheme is introduced in line with one of AITI's functions and duties to encourage, promote, facilitate and provide assistance for the development and expansion of the ICT industry in Brunei Darussalam. He further added with the Government funding of BND 4 Million, the grant scheme is intended to encourage R&D activities and capabilities in producing local innovative Brunei Made products with commercial potential by the local ICT businesses. He also believed that with this scheme, Brunei would be able to start producing more talents on local ICT content and applications


The Chief Executive of AITI also highlighted that there is another funding scheme to promote local innovation through the BEDB's Local Enterprise Applications & Products (LEAP) Grant Scheme targeting those on initial proof-of-concept stage.  AITI and the BEDB share a common vision and are working closely in their initiatives to ensure the growth and success of the ICT industry in Brunei .

The AITI Grant Scheme has four types of schemes that imitates the stages of ICT product or solution development. These are:

  • Product Development Grant – for developing prototypes or concept testing;
  • Product Enhancement Grant – for improving and upgrading design or processes
  • Product Ownership Grant – for obtaining certification and recognition; and
  • Product Packaging Grant – for improving existing packaging, design or labelling.

The grant amount varies with a maximum of BND 250,000 depending on the type of grants applied. Each applicant can apply for more than one type of grant for the same IT product or solution. Grant applicants will be evaluated on four (4) main criteria namely the proposals' technology merits, commercial potential, financial and resources as well as project plan & capacity to deliver.

AITI is therefore pleased to invite all eligible local ICT businesses to apply for this AITI Grant Scheme. Application forms and guidelines for this scheme are available for download at AITI's website www.aiti.gov.bn/grantscheme.html . The deadline to submit the application form is on Friday, 6 th August 2010 before 4pm.

An industry briefing will be organized on Wednesday, 14 th July 2010 to address any enquiries on the grant scheme. BEDB representatives will also be present during this briefing to attend to any further enquiries on their LEAP Grant Scheme. Interested ICT businesses who would like to attend the industry briefing can email their complete contact details to itidg@aiti.gov.bn or call to the IT Industry Development Group at 2323232.

For any further inquiries, interested applicants can contact the IT Industry Development Group at 2323232 (during office hours only) or visit www.aiti.gov.bn or email at itidg@aiti.gov.bn .

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Released by:

Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI)


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