MICROSOFT TO SPONSOR FELLOWS AT REUTERS FOUNDATION/STANFORD UNIVERSITY PROGRAM

The Microsoft grant enables the program to support two Digital Vision Fellows from the developing world. Other sponsors each select one or more of their own employees to participate in the program.  This year's sponsors included Cisco, The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, Philips and Reuters.  The program also attracts outstanding independent technologists, particularly from Silicon Valley, where Stanford is located.

"With this decision, Microsoft joins the Reuters Foundation in recognizing the importance and value of bringing technologists from the developing world to Stanford," said Stuart Gannes, Director of the Digital Vision Fellowship Program.  "Microsoft's support will not only benefit the individuals who are selected, it will enhance Stanford by bringing technologists with first-hand understanding of the developing world's needs to our campus."

"We are delighted to participate in this important program," said Bill Morgan, General Manager of Microsoft's Silicon Valley campus.  "We applaud Stanford and Reuters in their effort to provide a program where fellows can tap into a community that features technical talent as well as a commitment to improving the world through technology."

The Microsoft-sponsored fellows will also be provided with support and mentoring from the company's Silicon Valley Campus, which comprises more than 1,300 employees - including programmers and researchers.

Rosemary Martin, Director of Reuters Foundation, said, "Reuters Foundation is thrilled that Microsoft is sponsoring two fellows from the developing world to take part in the Digital Vision Program.  The program is part of Reuters Foundation's efforts to enable information and technology skills to be applied in enhancing lives around the world, and we are delighted to work with others as, together, we strive to achieve this goal."

Digital Vision (DV) Fellows design and prototype information and communications technology based solutions for the developing world.  DV Fellows draw on the resources of Stanford University and Silicon Valley to create a technology project that serves a humanitarian purpose in the developing world. During their time on the Stanford campus DV Fellows research the needs and requirements of their project, identify the best technology implementation choices, create proof-of-concept prototypes, and develop sustainable business models.

For the school year 2003/04, 19 DV Fellows will attend the program compared to 13 this year and 6 in 2001/02, the year the program began.
They have submitted a wide range of prospective projects applying Internet and information technologies to areas of importance to developing countries. Examples include the development of literacy, healthcare and economic generation.

DV Fellows have "Visiting Scholar" privileges on Stanford campus, including the ability to audit academic courses. Fellows also participate in a structured Digital Vision Program with weekly seminars and workshops. DV Fellows collaborate with Stanford faculty, students, and with each other. Additionally, the program facilitates connections between DV Fellows and Silicon Valley leaders - in corporations, venture finance and philanthropy.

ENDS

Contacts:
Stuart Gannes
Executive Director, Digital Vision Fellowship Program Cordura Hall, 220 Panama Street Stanford, CA 94305-4115, USA Tel +1 650.725.2105
Email: digitalvision@csli.stanford.edu

Amy Sanger
Program Administrator, Digital Vision Fellowship Program Cordura Hall, 220 Panama Street Stanford. CA 94305-4115, USA
Tel: +1 650.724.4069

Bill Morgan
General Manager,Microsoft Silicon Valley Campus
Tel: +1 650.693.3111

Susan Allsopp / Yvonne Diaz
Corporate Communications, Reuters
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7542 8404/2615
susan.allsopp@reuters.com/yvonne.diaz@reuters.com
 

Note to Editors
Reuters Foundation is a humanitarian and educational trust, primarily funded by Reuters, the global news and information group.  Its work reflects the values and concerns of the company and its employees.
Reuters Foundation focuses in particular on areas where Reuters skills and expertise in news and information gathering and communications can be put to use in ways which will benefit the communities in which Reuters works worldwide.

Further information can be found at: www.foundation.reuters.com

Reuters (www.about.reuters.com), the global information company, provides indispensable information tailored for professionals in the financial services, media and corporate markets. Our information is trusted and drives decision making across the globe based on our reputation for speed, accuracy and independence. We have 16,000 staff in 94 countries, including some 2,400 editorial staff in 197 bureaux serving approximately 130 countries, making Reuters the world's largest international multimedia news agency.  In 2002, the Reuters Group had revenues of 3.6 billion British pounds.

Reuters Foundation Digital Vision Fellowship Program enables outstanding technologists to use their vision and talent to build IT solutions that empower developing world communities. The Digital Vision Fellowship Program is a sabbatical program for technology professionals at Stanford University. The Program was launched on October 1, 2001, with five fellows in the inaugural class.  Digital Vision fellows are located full-time on the Stanford campus for up to one academic year, each undertaking a project that explores the utility of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in addressing developing world problems.  The flexibility of the Program makes it possible for fellows to use their creativity in determining the nature of the project and its practical aims with guidance from the Program Director.  Each year, the Program accepts applications from technology visionaries around the world.

Further information can be found at:
http://reuters.stanford.edu/index.html

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