Baltic Challenge is a competition for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions and applications in public administrations, educational institutions, businesses and other organizations facilitating the daily life of citizens and customers. The Baltic Challenge Award is designed to stimulate the development of user-oriented ICT solutions in the Baltic Sea region, promoting increased regional co-operation and joint ventures.

The best ICT solution is awarded 5,000 euro which is sponsored by the Latvian ICT company Dati Exigen Group. Additional awards sponsored by the City of Riga go to the best governance and administration project and the best e-inclusion project.

The Baltic Challenge international jury has concluded the evaluation of more than 50 participants and selected 25 projects as finalists. The Baltic Challenge 2006 included more than 50 entries from all Baltic Sea countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia and Sweden – as well as Belarus and Ukraine.

The winners will be announced at the Baltic Challenge Awards Event 2006, hosted by the City of Riga on August 24-25, 2006. The event is an opportunity to meet, discuss, exchange knowledge, find new partners and build useful networks. The Baltic Challenge Awards event will highlight successful ICT solutions in the presence of a unique gathering of experts, entrepreneurs and innovators. It includes a workshop, "ICT in city development and investments in ICT", an exhibition of selected projects and a prize ceremony that will take place at an evening reception on August 24th to celebrate the winners.

Agnieszka Wreszién, Nobody’s Children Foundation