Microsoft India announced two new programmes on Wednesday to assist startup entrepreneurs in the country in innovating and growing.
Microsoft will launch its second cohort of startups as part of its AI Innovate initiative, as well as a new hackathon for startups to provide resources and support to developers working on digital solutions.
Software-as-a-service (SaaS) startups whose core apps or services are built using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology are invited to apply for Microsoft AI Innovate’s second season.
“With deepened focus on core AI startups in the second season of Microsoft AI Innovate, we are bringing the best of Microsoft’s AI capabilities in creating the magic with the power of data and AI,” said Sangeeta Bavi, Director, Startup Ecosystem, Microsoft India.
The initiative, which is supported by SaaS Insider, is intended to assist startups in scaling their operations, driving greater innovation, and developing industry expertise.
Across the ten weeks of the program, entrepreneurs will work closely with Microsoft’s technical and product teams to develop their fundamental AI models.
The company said that selected startups will receive OpenAI preview and credits, access to industry and technology deep-dive sessions and AI masterclasses by experts and mentoring by startup founders and industry leaders.
The first cohorts of 16 startups from fintech, manufacturing and logistics sectors graduated last month.
The hackathon, according to Bavi, “allows some of the most inventive ideas to come to life on Microsoft Azure’s trusted platform.”
“We are hopeful that both initiatives will help startups build securely and scale faster through the Microsoft ecosystem,” she added.
The Founders Hub from Microsoft for Startups is a new digital and genuinely inclusive platform for startup founders, with over $300,000 in rewards and credits.
Learn more about Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/en-in
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