The European Union is calling on software developers to create apps and web applications for farmers and is providing funding for potential developers through its FRACTALS project until the end of next month.
The EU-funded FRACTALS project aims to encourage the development of innovative technologies to boost agricultural productivity. It recently launched an open call to European SMEs and is offering between €50 000 and €150 000 to 50 to 60 web entrepreneurs interested in developing applications.
These must be based around FIWARE technology; an open, public and royalty-free architecture and set of open specifications for digital applications. The EU believes that FIWARE can introduce innovative infrastructure and deliver versatile digital services.
The FRACTALS project aims to encourage developers to use the open platform to focus on the specific needs of farmers. With some 23 million people employed in the European agri-food chain it represents 10 per cent of the entire workforce.
The project will also focus on removing ‘white spots’ – areas where there is no existing broadband infrastructure.
Full details of the project can be found at http://fractals-fp7.com
