Smartphone maker Oppo has joined hands with Microsoft for Startups to launch the 2nd edition of the Oppo Elevate program to empower startups in India. Oppo aims to accelerate the overall innovation culture in India and mentor startups, which have the potential to bring the next big technological change in the industry.
Startups across “Accessible Technology” and “Digital Health” will be able to apply for the India edition of the program, starting May 19. These proposals will be reviewed by a jury of experts, led by Tasleem Arif, VP and R&D Head, Oppo India, Madhurima Agarwal, Country Head-India, Microsoft for startup among others.
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“At Oppo, we believe in developing solutions which brings optimism and inspiration against the challenges and uncertainties, aligned with our brand proposition of Inspiration Ahead. We have been leading virtuous innovation in the country through the years and the elevate program opens doors for the new age innovators to contribute to the same,” said Tasleem Arif, VP and R&D Head, Oppo India.
“The Oppo Elevate program has seen momentous success since its inception and with the second edition, we aim to build the innovation in health and accessibility and highlight Indian innovation on a global platform,” he said.
Oppo, in a statement, said the top 10 selected startups will get a chance to present their proposals to the jury at an event in August 2022. Further these 10 startups will also be entitled to a collaboration with Oppo for applicable technical discussion and access to R&D facilities (labs, spaces, mobile devices) on mutually agreed terms and schedule. The India jury will select three startups, which will be entering the global Innovation Accelerator Program.
All participants, as part of the Elevate program, will be invited to Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub and eligible startups can receive up to USD150K worth of Azure credits, mentoring and guidance from business and technical experts as well as access to world-class developer and productivity tools.
“Startups are reimagining both widening and deepening of tech impact through their innovations in the areas of accessibility and healthcare. The collaboration between Oppo India and Microsoft for Startups extends our commitment to boost the innovation and entrepreneurial energy of startups in the country. Through this program, we hope to help startups truly scale the impact of digital innovation with the combined resources of both organizations,” said Madhurima Agarwal, Country Head – Microsoft for Startups, India.
Oppo Elevate will help the brand harness the power of innovation by extending a palatial platform for start-ups to collaborate. Through a robust partnership, the Oppo Elevate program will help young startups with some remarkably interesting ideas to enter a fast-growing ecosystem of innovation. This program will offer professional advice, support, and opportunity to leverage Oppo’s products, resources, and distribution channels to take off their innovation.
Centered on the theme of ‘Virtuous Innovation’, Oppo is looking to recruit proposals under two entry categories — Accessible Technology and Digital Health. Following the evaluation of proposals submitted by participating teams or individuals, up to ten proposals will be awarded grants of USD $46,000 each, as well as further opportunities for investment opportunities, technical support, research and commercial partnerships, and promotion at global events.
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