Oppo Research Institute has teamed up with Microsoft For Startups to start an innovation accelerator to develop accessible technology and digital health. Under the program, the smartphone maker has called for proposals, which once accepted will receive funding opportunities, publicity, integration with Oppo products and a financial grant.

The Chinese smartphone maker is looking for proposals under two broad categories – accessible technology and digital health. Upon reviewing them, Oppo will select ten proposals who will be awarded with $4600 each, along with further investment opportunities, technical support, research and commercial partnerships, and promotion at global events, Oppo said in a press release Tuesday.

The company has started accepting proposals from last Sunday, and will be announcing the 10 winners in August.

The proposals will be evaluated by a committee of experts, academics, and senior professionals in the field of technology, under four key criteria – Feasibility, innovation and originality, social value, and long-term potential.

“With the severity of global issues like aging populations, poor public health, and digital divide increasing day by day, we could not rely on our own efforts to provide solutions," Oppo Research Institute vice president, Levin Liu said in the statement.

"We have therefore initiated the Innovation Accelerator to empower likeminded innovators to solve these big issues together with us using the power of technology,” he added.

Oppo has also established a separate referral program where the public can refer innovative projects through the company's website, with prizes available for every successful proposal that makes it through the stages.

The company will be taking the winners of the accelerator program to international roadshows in India, Israel, and the United States.