IBM and Kstart to mentor start-ups with range of innovations

To foster the start-up ecosystem in India, Kstart and IBM have entered into collaboration. Kstart portfolio start-ups will have access to IBM mentors and training sessions and gain exposure to IBM’s Global Entrepreneur Program.

This program provides business mentoring, technical support, networking opportunities with enterprise clients and credits to help entrepreneurs build their applications on IBM Cloud.

To support this boom in the Indian start up ecosystem, Kstart and IBM will work together to spur the next generation of innovation throughout the country and ensure that start-ups have access to the support they need to get their solutions into the marketplace. IBM business leaders and technology experts will help Kstart portfolio companies create go-to-market strategies, achieve market alignment and augment their technology roadmaps. IBM will also invite Kstart participants to training sessions on cognitive learning, analytics and product design.

In return, Kstart will drive awareness and engagement with IBM’s Global Entrepreneur Program (GEP), where start-ups can apply for up to $120,000 in cloud credits to develop and run their applications on IBM Cloud. Credits can be used on cloud infrastructure or development through Bluemix, which offers 150 APIs from IBM and third parties, including a number of Watson APIs. Developers can tap into next-generation technology areas like cognitive computing, IoT and analytics and rapidly bring their solutions to market on a cloud platform that spans 46 cloud data centers worldwide. The GEP will also provide business mentoring, technology expertise and connections with IBM’s global roster of enterprise clients.

“We believe in creating an environment that can foster innovation, which is why we working with Kalaari Capital to encourage and support the start-up community in their journeys,” said Nipun Mehrotra, Vice-President, Growth Initiatives, IBM India/ South Asia.

“IBM is committed to helping incubators, early stage start-up companies and next-generation developer communities get access to a range of IBM innovations around cloud, analytics, mobile and cognitive to build and innovate. By using a combination of IBM’s technology offerings, guidance and support, start-ups can accelerate their time-to-market and establish enhancements that differentiate the customer experience,” added Nipun Mehrotra.

“IBM partners with key incubators and accelerators around the world in order to support local start-ups. We offer cloud technology, business expertise and industry knowledge in support of these great enablers of entrepreneurship,” said Sandy Carter, General Manager of the Developer Ecosystem and Start-ups, IBM.

“We have chosen to work with IBM because of the value of its Global Entrepreneur Program, which aligns with our own core tenants of success, including business mentoring and supportive networks. Collaborating with IBM will help us equip our entrepreneurs with the right expertise and tools to succeed. We welcome our new working relationship with IBM to create impact in India by enabling next-generation start-ups. We appreciate the support and initiative from IBM to foster the start-up community,” said Vani Kola, Venture Capitalist, Kalaari.