Every day, advances in technology push back the boundaries of what is possible and foster ongoing advances in health, safety, leisure, comfort, productivity and more. However, when man adds his creativity into these tools, no matter how efficient they are, does he not risk losing his place in society and his sense for human relationships? Convinced that technological innovations can make a positive contribution to society, the SWIFT Fund targets all project developers wishing to make technology more human.
The € 50,000 SWIFT Prize rewards original ideas or projects that contribute, by leveraging new technologies or making innovative use of existing technologies, to create, improve or intensify links, communication, interaction and dialogue between individuals and/or communities.
The call for projects is aimed at all individuals, associations, organisations or institutions living or established in Belgium and the Netherlands.
More information on the King Baudouin Foundation website.
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SWIFT Fund Prize winners 1998-2008 |
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2008 – Katholieke Universiteit Leuven for the ‘mind speller’ device for people with motor disabilitie |
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2008 – I-Cane foundation for the ‘smart’ white cane for the visually impaired |
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2007 – Hasselt University for its Archie Project, co-promoted by the Provincial Gallo-Roman Museum of Limburg: personalised mobile guide that interacts with the exhibits to stimulate interaction |
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2006 – Skyway Foundation – Interactive technology to experience music for deaf youngsters. |
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2005 – WAI-NOT – Secure web-based communication tools for mentally disabled children and youngsters |
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2004 – ALS Digitalk – Technology that improves the quality of life of ALS patients. |
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2003 – Mobile Phone Organiser – Portable device for the blind and visually impaired. |
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2002 – ADBanking – Open source software for micro-finance institutions in developing countries. |
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2001 – Sterrewereld – Virtual community for sick children. |
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2000 – Cinephone – Digital sound procesing device to rehabilitate the ear. |
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1999 – Nedwerk – Internet training for the unemployed. |
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1998 – Mind Express – Computer software giving the handicapped greater independence at home. |