The Science and Technology Division of the Inter-American Development Bank is pleased to announce the launch of its grants program: Innovation for Inclusive Development. The objective of the program is to foster innovation in products, processes, and services and engender solutions that can improve the quality of life of the majority of people in Latin America and the Caribbean, those who are poor and/or excluded.

Up to six grants, ranging from USD 30,000 to 100,000, will be awarded to the selected proposals to develop, test, or pilot innovations in the region. Part of the initiative is funded by the Italian Trust Fund for Information and Communication Technologies for Development.The initiative is open to all IADB member countries but the innovation must be implemented in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The deadline for the call for proposals is Friday, June 20, 2008, at 5pm EST. Applications should be submitted to innovation@iadb.org

More information is available at the Innovation for Inclusive Development website, including program guidelines and application forms.