DG Growth invites PPI Award finalist to showcase procurement activities
Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI) Award finalist AWABOT was recently invited to present their innovative distance learning robot to the General Assembly of DG Growth (formerly DG ENTR and MARKET). The innovative procurement activities of Région Rhône Alpes (France) and supplier AWABOT came to the attention of the European Commission thanks to promotion stemming from their nomination for the PPI Award 2014.
Région Rhône Alpes wanted to improve the educational opportunities for high school students who have an illness that prevents them from attending classes, and asked the market through a competitive dialogue to design a robotic solution. Technology company AWABOT proposed a product that allows students to follow lessons by e-learning, whilst enabling them to communicate with friends and teachers.
The end robot offers permanent access to education for sick teenagers, limits isolation and encourages social links. The success of the procurement process led AWABOT to dedicate greater resources to developing similar products. The budget for the procurement was €490,000. Through the procurement AWABOT was able to create five additional jobs.
For more information, visit the PPI Award page.