MS to incubate Indian tech start-ups

cloud computing, Internet and mobile using its Accelerator for Windows Azure programme to help them build businesses, a top official said on Wednesday, The Economic Times reports.

"The start-ups will have access to our resources such as the BizSpark programme and $60 000 in Azure credit through BizSpark Plus programme to take advantage of the cloud," Microsoft India (R&D) MD Amit Chatterjee said.

The start-ups will also be able to leverage the company's Metro user interface on Window 8 and Windows Phone to operate in a cloud environment, IBN Live says.

Cloud computing uses a network of computers, data centres and storage systems as an integrated IT infrastructure for seamless operations, eliminating investments in standalone IT installation by enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses.

According to Techie Buzz, at the end of the four-month programme, Microsoft will organise an Investor Demo Day where Microsoft executives as well as angel investors and venture capitalists will check out the start-ups' technology and listen to their pitches. Microsoft will also organise informal dinners each week and invite key industry leaders, influencers and thought leaders to speak on relevant topics.

Chatterjee said the success of this programme will be measured by the success of the start-ups. Microsoft would not retain any equity or IP from the companies and is not a stakeholder in any way. Although there are no definite plans, he was optimistic that, if successful, the programme can scale up to include more start-ups in next phases or extend to other cities with a similar thriving start-up ecosystem. A similar programme has been announced in Seattle and one has been kicked off in Israel.