Applications open for Microsoft BizSpark 2013 India Startup Challenge

Microsoft announces BizSpark India Startup Challenge 2013 -- a platform to identify and promote upcoming startups in India. BizSpark seeks startups who have a promising product in the areas of connected devices and continuous services. Participants are invited to submit their business ideas on their innovative models.

Microsoft BizSpark is an annual event (see 2012 winners from India here) and for the first time, the 2013 edition will be organized in 10 different cities (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi (NCR), Hyderabad, Kolkata, mumbai, pune) that will culminate in a grand finale in Bangalore. 10 finalists, one from each region will be shortlisted on the basis of their submissions and they will get a chance to present their business plan to a distinguished jury.

On offer is a grand prize of $70,000 in cash and $2 million worth of non-cash prizes for regional winners. And the winners at the national finale will receive Surface with Windows Pro, Surface with Windows RT and Windows Nokia 920 phone & XBOX 360.

So hurry! Submit your applications here.

Judging Criterion for the challenge

• Merits of innovation: We are interested in ideas that will impact the future of Cloud computing, Mobile application and Application on Windows 8 business, what is most important is the ingenuity, creativity and innovation intrinsic to your business plan.
• Market potential: Does your product or service scale and address a sizable market?
• Management capabilities: We are looking for teams that can articulate a vision and execute their business plan.
• G Score: Framework developed by Guidewire group. To view, please click here.

What’s in for the Winners?

The challenge offers an opportunity for Start-ups to win huge grants to realise their business plan. This year it offers both cash and non cash prizes. But most importantly, the challenge is an opportunity for the BizSpark Community to build and deepen connections, share ideas, network with partners and celebrate the individual successes of member startups.

Prizes for National Finale

Prizes for Regional challenge : Grant Prize - $70K Cash and $2M worth of non-cash prizes

• Winner - $4000
• First Runner up - $2000
• Second Runner up - $1000

Non Cash Prizes (For Winner and First and Second runner up)

• One Windows Phone
• BizSpark Plus Membership
• Qualify to be part of "Microsoft BizSpark Emerging Indian Startups 2013 Year Book"
• Windows 8 App AFT (Application Fast Track) which provides feedback on design/UX of app so startups can improve their Windows 8 app
• Priority consulting slots at the Windows Store App Labs (Design, Test and Technical consultation) in India
• 10 Tech Support Hours on Windows 8, Windows Phone and Windows Azure
• Online campaign to promote winners for one month (Social Media, Stories, Interviews)
• One day Windows 8 UI/UX Training
• One day Windows Azure Training
• One day Windows Phone 8 Training
• Single point of contact for Startups @ Microsoft
• Exclusive Invitation for National Finals Day to meet senior management of Microsoft and VCs
• Recommendation to Microsoft Accelerator Program
• Exclusive connects with Venture Capitalists
• Tagging with Global BizSpark site and other Microsoft Web Entities
• Exclusive Connect with Microsoft Account Management Teams to evangelize your solution

FAQs

Q. Who can participate in the Microsoft BizSpark India Startup Challenge?

Microsoft BizSpark India Startup Challenge is open to all persons who are 18 years or older and who are citizens or legal residents in India. Startup should be a part of Bizspark program. For more details, read the Judging Criteria mentioned above.

Q. I am not a part of BizSpark India Program. How can I register?

Click here to register for BizSpark India Program. It will take 7 – 10 working days to get registered, it is recommended to register before April 15, 2013.

Q. Which details are mandatory for the submission?

Please ensure your business plan includes an Executive Summary, Management/Founders Biographies, Business Description, Market Analysis, Competitive Overview, Business Risk Summary and Financial Projections.

Q. How should I make the submission?

All entries must be submitted electronically via web form. Click here to register now.

Q. What are the evaluation parameters?

All business plans will be evaluated on a number of criteria:

• Merits of innovation: the ingenuity, creativity and innovation intrinsic to your business plan.
• Market potential: Does your product or service scale and address a sizable market?
• Management capabilities: We are looking for teams that can articulate a vision and execute their business plan.
• G Score: Framework developed by Guidewire group.

Q. How many prizes are up for grabs?

Winners, 1st Runner up and 2nd Runner up at Regional cities will receive $4000, $2000 and $1000 respectively. They will also receive Non Cash prizes. Winners, 1st Runner up and 2nd Runner up at Grand Finale will receive Surface with Windows Pro & XBOX 360, Surface with Windows RT & XBOX 360 and Windows Phone Nokia 920 & XBOX 360 respectively. For more details refer above.

Q. Can I submit more than one business plan?

No. One Startup can submit only one business plan.

Q. My company is not yet incorporated, can I participate?

Microsoft BizSpark India welcomes Companies/Startups of different shape and sizes. However winners are required to get registered before disbursement of prizes.

Q. What is BizSpark?

Microsoft BizSpark is a global program that helps software startups succeed by giving them access to Microsoft software development tools, connecting them with key industry players, including investors, and providing marketing visibility to help entrepreneurs starting a business. Click here for more details.

Q. Is BizSpark available to Startups that also use open source technologies?

Yes. BizSpark is available to any Startup that meets the program eligibility requirements.

Q. Why is Microsoft offering this program?

Microsoft believes that by helping startups succeed we’re helping to build a valued long-term partnership. Together we can build a more vibrant global software economy.

BizSpark helps startups by providing access to Microsoft software when you most need it and can least afford it, and by supporting the network of organizations—startup incubators, investors, advisors, government agencies—that are equally involved and invested in software-fueled innovation and entrepreneurship.

Q. Why should I join BizSpark as a Startup?

The Microsoft BizSpark program is based on the belief that startup success is our success. Microsoft is committed to help technology startups realize their goals on their own terms and in the shortest amount of time. Through BizSpark, Microsoft's goals are to:

• Help young and innovative software companies gain valuable experience and expertise in Microsoft technologies, with no upfront costs. In other words, they can get the technologies they need when they can least afford them.
• Help startups establish connections with local and global startup ecosystems - VCs, angels, incubators, entrepreneur associations, etc. - that are equally involved and invested in software-fueled innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Stimulate vibrant local software ecosystems and promote innovation and interoperability.
• Support the broadest possible startup audience in a way that complements their values and the organizations that support them.