Asian Development Bank (ADB), in collaboration with the Open Government Partnership (OGP), aims to explore how digital technology can be leveraged to strengthen the monitoring of COVID-19 related spending and improve feedback and grievance redressal mechanisms.

Potential concepts could include: 

• Tools or applications that allow citizens to track budgets, disbursements and expenditures on COVID-19 related stimulus measures, safety net packages, public procurement, or sectoral budgets, expenditures and spending
• Tools or applications that provide easy-to-understand and accessible information on target beneficiary groups (individuals, specific communities, or businesses including small and medium enterprises), and on specific assistance or relief provisions (eligibility criteria and process for assistance)
• Tools or applications that create mechanisms for targeted beneficiaries to provide feedback and complaints on government assistance and programs, and access redress or complaints mechanisms
• Tools or applications which expand the reach and accessibility of underserved and/or marginalized populations to government programs, including but not limited to informal settlers, minority ethnic groups, LGBT+ individuals and groups, the disabled, etc.

ADB encourages participants to include in their proposals the aspect of accessibility. Participants may consider bridging the digital divide for those with limited access to the internet. Entries should ideally be open-source solutions that can be adapted and replicated elsewhere.

Funding Information

The selected solution will have potential funding of USD 10,000 or more for selected pilots in ADB's developing member countries. 

Eligibility Criteria

• The challenge will be open to individuals from ADB member countries.
• Organizations must designate individuals to join the challenge as team members.
• Individuals from different organizations may also team up to work together to submit entries.
• Teams are encouraged to have representatives from different backgrounds with the expertise and ability to continue to develop the prototypes beyond the duration of the challenge. Teams can have 1-10 members.
• All entries must center on solutions that can be implemented in ADB's developing member countries.

For more information, visit ADB.