Microsoft is partnering with Accenture to host a startup challenge in India. The company said that its 100X100X100 program that focuses to bring 100 companies and 100 early and growth startups will collaborate with Accenture Ventures Open Innovation program to host Accenture Ventures Challenge.
“This initiative will truly help startups evolve from being market-ready to enterprise-ready with the best resources and support from both Microsoft and Accenture,” said Lathika Pai, country head, Microsoft for Startups, MENA & SAARC.
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The technology giant said that the virtual event which is scheduled to be held on August 11 will recognize startups in India across four categories — supply chain resilience, channel shift to digital commerce, systems resilience and responsible technology.
Launched in 2018, the Accenture Ventures Challenge is an annual event that identifies the best B2B tech startups to develop solutions for real-world challenges faced by businesses.
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Accenture said that its startup challenge will identify 12 innovative startups that are helping to address the business and human impact of COVID-19, driving innovation in the 'never normal' era.
“The ongoing business disruption requires an urgent response, and we are confident that we'll discover innovative new solutions from deep tech startups to help solve some of the most pressing business and human challenges being faced by organizations in India and across the globe,” said Avnish Sabharwal, managing director for Accenture Ventures and Open Innovation in India.
The winner in each category will be allowed to join the Accenture Ventures Open Innovation partner program and co-create solutions for Accenture clients around the world. Winners will also get access to benefits from the Microsoft ScaleUp program, which supports Seed or Series A B2B startups to scale and co-sell with Microsoft sales teams.
