French ministry offers 20 million euros in funding for NFC projects
France’s Minister for Industry, Energy and Digital Economy, Eric Bresson, has issued a ‘request for proposals’ worth 20 million euros in funding for NFC and contactless projects that could lead to the development of more NFC cities like Nice, according to Investincotedazur.com.
Bresson tendered the request after a May 27 visit to The University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis. According to Investincotedazur.com, Bresson was able to experience the ‘Nice Contactless City’ project, including tapping his NFC-tagged cup at Café Malongo for information on his coffee, and using contactless ticketing on the Nice Tramway.
The Minister also visited Gemalto in Sophia Antipolis, where he was given a demonstration of NFC technology by Philippe Vallée, Executive Vice-President of Gemalto’s Business Telecom Unit.
The request for proposals will support between 20 to 30 contactless mobile projects designed to simplify everyday tasks, such as using mass transit or receiving information on public services, for people living in large cities in France, reports Investincotedazur.com.
To participate, service developers must issue a declaration of intent by July 1, and meet a formal application deadline of October 14.
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