App developers in Israel are being given a rare chance to meet some of the top movers and shakers in Asia’s smartphone industry as part of the Asia Smartphone Apps Contest to be held in Hong Kong on June 14-17th.

This is the fourth year in a row that the competition will take place, and it’s open to all app developers from Israel who have developed technologies in advertising and marketing, games and edutainment, and creative lifestyle.

“Hong Kong is one of the world leaders in smartphone penetration and this competition provides an outstanding opportunity for Israeli app developers to meet and network with some of the most influential players in the Asian field,” Elad Goz, the head of the Economic and Trade Mission at Israel’s consulate in Hong Kong, told ISRAEL21c.

The consulate, which is helping to organize the event, hopes that the contest will provide a platform for top smartphone app professionals in the region to meet, share, collaborate and learn from each other. “The share of online shopping and activities in Hong Kong and China is sky-rocketing and it’s vital that Israelis learn how to tap into these markets,” said Goz.

Applications are due on April 8, and nine finalists will win a three-night trip to the awards ceremony in Hong Kong, training seminars and workshops, and a chance to meet with app developers in the region and explore business opportunities there.

Last year, three Israeli companies won awards at the contest: Winkapp, which has created an app that can read hyperlinks on paper, won silver prize; LabStyle Innovations won bronze with its app, MyDario, which turns a smartphone into a glucose monitor for diabetes; and Augmented Games also won bronze for its game, Shift, which links a players’ virtual life with their real one.

(via Israel21c)

[Photo: Phil Wiffen / Flickr ]