SAP with CIIE launches ‘Startup Accelerator Program’ to strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystem
SAP SE (Systems, Applications & Products in Data Processing), a multinational software company has launched a Start-up Accelerator Program in partnership with CIIE to foster the local entrepreneurship ecosystem and deliver mentorship to early-stage entrepreneurs.
With this program, SAP and CIIE, both are aiming to catalyze support from numerous support organizations including angel networks, co-working spaces, fabrication labs, incubators, industry associations, and, technology and academic institutions, which have been working towards forming a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Gujarat.
“Entrepreneurs are the emerging leaders of the Digital Economy. They generate tremendous employment opportunities and contribute to the country’s growth,” said Adaire Fox-Martin, President, SAP Asia Pacific Japan. “The program seeks to help entrepreneurs from tier II and tier III towns drive sustainable economic growth and innovation, and make Digital India real.”
In this program, entrepreneurs will undergo a 3month, non-residential boot camp and monthly training workshops. They will also get an opportunity to work with domain experts from SAP Labs Bangalore to get proper understandings of the newest technology innovations.
It’s worth mentioning that; the SA Program targets to create a pipeline of investable start-ups from this region by scouting for entrepreneurs from Gujarat and providing them with mentorship opportunities, company notes.
“Innovation and economic growth are directly linked to Gujarat’s ability to develop individuals with the skills to become a successful entrepreneur,” said Kunal Upadhyay, CEO, CIIE at IIM – Ahmedabad. “We are pleased to collaborate with SAP on this initiative, and we will support this by leveraging our past experience and expertise to fast-track startup growth through operational guidance, mentoring and access to capital.”
Further, the SA Program will also work towards building stronger collaboration amongst entrepreneurs and diverse stakeholders.
And this is not all, the program will be developing a strong ecosystem and support entrepreneurs in areas like Social Entrepreneurship, Healthcare, Education, Sports, Internet, Mobile, Internet of Things, Clean Technology, Smart City and Food & Agri Business by providing them operational guidance and access to capital.
