When we conceptualized this program; we started with the view that we should design awards, which can help companies to grow and achieve their next milestones. It can be funding, opening doors to customers, channel development, skill development in various functions and mentoring. This year awards are an effort in that direction.
1. Microsoft Award: At least one finalist will be invited to join the Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program where they will get access, guidance and support on the Microsoft Platform as well as market development support from Microsoft. – Microsoft will promote these companies in their ecosystem.
2. ISB Program: A representative from each of the winning teams will be invited to attend a course pro bono at the Center for Executive Education at the Indian School of Business (ISB). Typical value of this course is greater than Rs 300,000. The Identified course is Accelerated Management Programme – Increasing Managerial Effectiveness
3. Mentoring: All finalists will be mentored by TiE-ENP (Entrepreneurship Nurturing Program) to refine their business plans for the presentation to the jury. The Winners would be mentored by NASSCOM, Canaan Partners, and Jury Members for three months after the event
4. Access to Investors: All finalists will have access to investors from TiE, Indian Angel Network and other early stage investors
5. Profiling in Media: Winners will be featured in Business Today, enabling them to build awareness about their companies & products. Last year profiling was done on CNBC and winners of last year gave us the feedback that it was pretty useful for them
I think this platform can provide an interesting opportunity for start ups to launch their products or take it to next level. I would be happy to provide any clarifications on any query related to the event.
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- A Billion Dollar Indian Internet Company - August 19, 2010
How does one participate in this program?
Hello,
Competition is always good. I agree to you. But what about the people and companies involved in organizing these events. Canaan Partners is good company with good intention but various other companies and competitions are under question.
The best intention would be what you are suggesting? VC funding or Cash which can remove lot of bottlenecks.
Virat Khutal
Virat (and Others),
I think these competitions are good for the spirit of Indian Entrepreneurship.
Ideas act like seeds, but have no value of their own. Its 99% execution.
Anyways, I am all on for this challenge, but would have been better if some cash or VC funding was involved 🙂
Hello,
Well said Jaspreet.Nice one.
This competition is not like venture capitalism it is more like vulture capitalism. These top firms have strict guidelines for teams like IIT, IIM BLA BLA. They keep on changing ideas and concepts to fit their winning horses. It is not choosing ideas then horses. It is fixed horses with change in ideas. New ideas can be pumped through this type of competitions. Now this ideas can be ported into selected horses companies to get better ROI. you can’nt patent very core things, which is freely discussed in this competitions.
So finally who is beneficiary horses and Vultures sitting at their back. Better stay away from them.
IT IS BETTER TO DIE POOR…….THEN EXPLOITED LIKE FOOL.
Regards,
Virat Khutal
Sounds good Mukul,
But, Except for benefit no. #2, I guess i can have others (almost) free anyways.
If you look at other Programs/Challenges like Google Android , Facebook Apps, Techcrunch-50 and likes, the main attraction are Cash and limelight.
looks like you would be able to help with later, but money/funding is always a big attraction.
– J