State eyes tech innovation for elderly care
Kolkata: The state Information Technology and Electronics (IT &E) department is encouraging innovative technology in the area of senior citizen support for the third edition of Bengalathon 2019, which will be launched on August 15.
Bengalathon organised by the state IT department is aimed at showcasing the innovative skills of technology enthusiasts at the national and international arena. "The problem statement for Bengalathon this year will highlight the aspect of elderly care. But the department will also welcome innovations in face recognition, solid waste management, safe roads, health, citizen feedback, water quality monitoring, smart water metering, soil productivity, quick accident response and open data platform. The details will be soon uploaded in the website of the department," a senior official of IT and E department said.
It may be mentioned that the trend for the past few years has been to declare the names of the winners of Bengalathon at the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) every year. However, this year the finals are expected to be done before November 15.
TiE Global, a nonprofit organization devoted to entrepreneurs in all industries will try to provide a linkage of the winners for further interaction with large enterprises globally. Senior officials of IT department led by Additional Chief Secretary IT &E Debashis Sen held a meeting with Abhisekh Rungta, President TiE Kolkata, Mahavir Pratap Sharma, Vice Chairman TiE Global and Rajesh Swain of PwC on Saturday .
It may be mentioned that the state government in a recent meeting with a start up has decided to install app based digital visitor control system at Snehodiya, the senior citizen's home at New Town. This will enable security guards at the gate of Snehodiya to monitor entry-exit of all visitors electronically and notify facility manager or resident by SMS. "Our government is taking all possible measures to position Bengal as the best in embracing emerging technologies and its use in real life challenges. We are trying to extend assistance to those who have come out with such solutions so that they can commercialise their ventures. The next generation needs encouragement which will give them the impetus to produce their best," the official added.
