Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - 600 applications were submitted in two weeks to participate in the online competition of innovative tools and solutions to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic in Uzbekistan “COVID-19 Challenge 2020”. Of these, 285 are in Russian and 315 in Uzbek.

“COVID-19 Challenge 2020” is an online competition of innovative tools and solutions for mitigating the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, where innovators from all over Uzbekistan can collaborate and create innovations, combining knowledge, technology, entrepreneurial skills to help those who otherwise affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organizers of the competition are: UNDP in Uzbekistan, IT-Park, the Youth Union and the Academy of Youth under the Ministry of Innovative Development together with the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations, the Ministry of Health, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, the Center for Supporting the Development of Youth Entrepreneurship of Uzbekistan, the Digital Trust Foundation, World Bank and OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

Applications were accepted from April 7 to April 20. A review of applications and an online interview will take place on April 24, and testing and announcement of selected projects will take place on April 30, 2020.

Interested parties and companies need to submit the idea of the proposed technological solution and fill out an online form to participate in the competition. After receiving applications, a review of projects will take place. Successful teams will be invited to an online interview. At least 5 projects will be supported by financial contributions of up to 10 thousand US dollars provided by partners for testing and further implementation of the proposed technological solutions.

Applications are submitted in the following areas of the competition:

- Health - 123 applications;

- Assistance to vulnerable groups —48 applications;

- Support for small business - 130 applications;

 - Community Support - 21 applications;

 - Education - 136 applications;

 - Raising awareness and behavior patterns - 32 applications;

 - Leisure — 35 applications;

 - The remaining directions are 75 applications.