Receives "ICT for better safety" award!

On October 2nd, 2008 an independent jury of the M&ICT and Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs awarded VSTEP and Risk Management Control an innovation prize for its project entry in the category ‘ICT for better safety’. The award is part of the 7th M&ICT contest of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, aiming to stimulate innovative projects that lead to adequate improvement in the areas of safety, education, health and mobility. 

For this contest, no less than 51 projects were submitted of which seven winners were selected. A total amount of €4.8 million was awarded to the seven winners. The award ceremony will be held on November 19, 2008. 

The winning project Samen Voorbereid Veilig submitted by Serious Games developer VSTEP’s and Safety management consultancy Risk Management Control, focuses on improving the competences of Company Safety Officers. The project aims to both optimize the effectiveness of the organization’s own emergency response procedures as well as improving the cooperation and communication with the professional emergency services. Initial focus will be on hospitals and prisons where the mobility of the occupants is restricted. Leading hospitals, prisons and emergency services in The Netherlands have committed themselves to participate to this 24-month project, which starts in January 2009. The resulting application will become broadly available for both private and public organizations. 

The jury lauded the project proposal as being professional, realistic and attainable, with solid financial planning. 

VSTEP is very proud to have won this new award. It is recognition of its know-how and a confirmation of its leading position in the European Serious Games industry. VSTEP was also an award winner in the 5th M&ICT innovation contest earlier this year.

 VSTEP (www.vstep.nl)

VSTEP is the leading European provider of Serious Games. VSTEP develops professional training simulators for nautical training, emergency response teams, train drivers, safety officers and others. Since its founding in 2002, VSTEP has successfully provided training solutions for customers like the Royal Dutch Navy, Port of Rotterdam, Falck/Nutec, Shell, DSM and Dutch Railways.

 Risk Management Control (www.continuiteitsbeheer.nl)

Risk Management Control is a leading supplier of independent advisory services, training and solutions in the area of safety, security, facility management and risk management.

 M & ICT (www.m-itc.nl)

Maatschappelijke Sectoren & ICT is an action programme of the Dutch government aimed at developing and implementing innovative ICT solutions to societal issues. The programme is an initiative of the Ministries of Economic Affairs, Internal Affairs, Justice, Health Welfare & Sports, and Transport, Public Works and Water Management. The programme runs from 2005 to 2009.