Microsoft Startups Founders Hub Program launched in Nepal

Microsoft has launched the Startups Founders Hub program in Nepal. On Friday, the US-based tech giant introduced its popular platform in collaboration with ICT Awards.

For the launch event, over 200 startups and distinguished figures were present at a special public event. The launch event took place at Islington College’s Kumari Hall on Friday, December 02.

The company said the Startups Founders Hub will help fuel startups in Nepal. The program has been launched in over 200 countries around the world. It is an online platform that drives up innovations among the ambitious who want to stamp their mark on a global stage.

Speaking at the public event, Md Yousup Faruqu, Country Manager for Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal for Microsoft, said that Founders Hub will help Nepali startups reach the global level. Faruqu requested startups to participate in the Founders Hub program and make the most of it.

Similarly, the Sales Executive of Microsoft’s Partners, Subash Manandhar, said that the Founders Hub is designed to enhance startup ecosystems.

Veda App and Digital Edge Nepal, which have joined the program also shared their success stories. They commonly said that the Founders Hub program helped them succeed in their respective startups.

Microsoft Security Specialist; Prashant Devaju conducted a workshop operation technical session about Microsoft Azure.

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The Top 5 ICT Award companies share their stories

At the same launch event, the companies in the top 5 startups, product, and rising star innovation categories of the ICT Award 2022 also seized the opportunity to share their stories and journey so far.

The Startups Founders Hub Program is a cross-border project of Microsoft that aims to take startups to a global stage.

There are benefits for startups to grab as well. The participating startups get Azure Credit worth 1.5 lakh, Microsoft GitHub Enterprise, Visual Visual Enterprise, LinkedIn Credit, etc.

In addition to this, Manandhar informed that the members of the Hub get mentorship and advice from experts.

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Which startups can join Microsoft’s Founders Hub program in Nepal?

Software-based products, and private and for-profit businesses can join the Founders Hub program of Microsoft.

But educational institutions, government entities, personal blogs, Devshop, consultancies, agencies, and bitcoin or crypto mining companies are not eligible for this program. Besides, startups that joined the program in the past can also not participate.

Microsoft has collaborated as an ecosystem partner in the Infodevelopers ICT Award 2022 in association with Nepal Telecom and Genesse, powered by Huawei and Smart QR program.

The grand finale of the ICT Awards will take place on the 23^rd of December 2022 at The Soaltee Kathmandu. Razan Lamsal, the program coordinator informed us that awards will be conferred in 13 different categories. This edition, the award also includes the South Asia Startup ICT Award category bringing the region into the prestigious ICT fair. He said that the collaboration with Microsoft will help in the development of Nepal’s startup ecosystem.