Microsoft Accelerator for Windows Azure Announces Final 11 in India

Brings together best of breed mentors from Microsoft and industry to groom startups in a state-of-the-art facilityBangalore, India, July 26, 2012: Microsoft today announced the final list of 11 select technology startups to be incubated at the Microsoft Accelerator for Windows Azure in Bangalore. The program, which was announced on May 23, received more than 200 applications from early stage startups, with exciting ideas across ecommerce, healthcare, education, digital media, enterprise, cloud infrastructure and mobile. Starting September 3, 2012, the final11 will be hosted ina 8300 sqftstate-of-the-art facility in Microsoft’sLavelle Road office, and undergo a four-month deep immersion program under the guidance of the elite mentors from Microsoft and the industry.

Announcing the top 11, Amit Chatterjee, Managing Director, Microsoft India (R&D) Pvt Ltd, said: “This is a proud moment for us at Microsoft. Given the number and breadth of incredible applications we received in just five weeks, it was a tough job for the panelists to choose the top 11. The next four months will be dedicated to provide them the best workspace, finest infrastructure, elite mentors and all the tools which we feel they need to create the most successful businesses fromIndia.”

The 11 companies are amplyfy. me, Caeruz Ventures, Cipher Graph, CloudInfra, Gameizon, HireRabbit, Nowfloats, Plustxt, Sparsha Learning, Whitesharkk and WorldWithoutMe.

“Deep and impactful mentorship is one of the key defining characteristics of the Microsoft Accelerator for Windows Azure. While we were accepting applications from startups, we were also finalizing the list of elite mentors from Microsoft and the industry. I am extremely happy to announce that today our program has more than 60mentors—including senior technical leaders from Microsoft and influential business leaders, venture capitalists and angel investors from the industry who have volunteered to guide the startups through their journey of building successful companies,” Amit added.

S Somasegar, Corporate Vice-President, Developer Division, Microsoft Corporation, was present at the event to welcome the program participants. “I am thrilled to be here today. These are exciting times in the global software industry--we are seeing the dawn of a new way of designing applications powered by Cloud, Internet andMobile.Indiahas always been one of the earliest adopters of emerging technologies. Innovation is blossoming here, and at the heart of it lies a very strong startup culture. However, while many startups have great ideas that can potentially change the world, they lack some key ingredients that are critical for success--access to technology, strong relevant mentors and networking opportunities with key business leaders and investors. The Microsoft Accelerator for Windows Azure is designed to bridge these gaps,” Soma said.

Congratulating the startups, Soma said: “You should be proud to have made it here. I am sure some amazing companies would be born out of this program. I am waiting for that day when I can look back on today and say I remember when they got started, and look at them now!”

The state-of-the-art Accelerator workspace in Microsoft’sLavelle Roadoffice was also inaugurated by Amit and Soma. Modeled on the latest thinking in “shared workspaces” which has been hugely successful and popular with global software companies and successful startups and incubators in theUS, the area facilitates open collaboration, sparks creative thinking and promotes innovation. Instead of restricting people to closed rooms or cubicles, it allows them to wander around and bounce ideas off each other. There are no boundaries—instead, all startups leverage each other.

A few breakout areas are provided for informal huddles and mentor sessions. The conference rooms are equipped with the latest communication technologies to facilitate discussions with mentors or other startups in our Accelerators in Beijingand Tel Aviv. The Garage space can be used for community networking sessions and pizza dinners with industry luminaries. Startups work hard and long hours—so for those times when they want to stretch out, watch a movie or just chill, a the Garage is fully equipped with a pantry, a large LCD TV and Kinect games. A gym, games room and cafeteria also help provide the “work/life balance”. For more information, please visit: http://www.microsoft.com/india/accelerator

About Microsoft India:

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. Microsoft Corporation (India) Private Ltd is a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation, USA. It has had a presence in India since 1990 and currently has offices in nine cities - Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune.