"ICT Solutions to Solve Everyday Problems" Sol·Jik Challenge

[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina] The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission announced on the 12th that they will promote the '2020 National Life Problem Sol·Jik Challenge,' which solves citizens' life problems using ICT solutions.

The Sol·Jik Challenge is a contest aimed at solving citizens' inconveniences or social issues through the development and utilization of original solutions based on ICT technologies such as mobile applications, virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR), data, and artificial intelligence (AI).

This year, considering the rapid increase in related civil complaints due to changes in our daily lives such as social distancing and non-face-to-face interactions caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the theme was selected as ‘Wise Post-COVID Life Preparedness with ICT.’ According to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, from January 20 to May 5, a total of 103,117 COVID-19 related complaints were filed, and since March, more than half of them were related to daily inconveniences and damage relief.

The designated challenge tasks include ▲ ways to reduce the burden of education and childcare due to social isolation (education/childcare) ▲ ways to assist vulnerable groups such as disadvantaged families, the elderly, and the disabled (care) ▲ ways to enjoy cultural and leisure activities through ICT in an untact environment (life/culture). In addition, free proposals related to post-COVID are also accepted.

According to the judging criteria set by the operating committee, such as the social value and effectiveness of the solution, creativity of the idea, and technical completeness, the final winners will be awarded 10 certificates including the Minister of Science and ICT Award, the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Award, and the President of the National IT Industry Promotion Agency Award, along with a total prize money of 230 million KRW and business support benefits.

Song Kyung-hee, Director of Software Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, “In our rapidly changing social structure and daily life due to COVID-19, digital technology will be a key means for citizens to solve inconveniences and social problems on their own,” adding, “We hope that many citizens with innovative ideas and development capabilities will show interest and participate so that the ‘Sol·Jik Challenge’ can serve as an opportunity to prepare more effectively for the post-COVID era.”

Detailed information about the challenge can be found on the official website (www.ictchallenge.kr) starting May 13. Submissions can be made on the website from June 1 to August 14 at 5 p.m.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.