Regional Program for Startups accepts applications

Microsoft Innovation Center Armenia (MIC) with three other MIC-s in the world was selected to launch a unique regional startup acceleration program for early stage startups.

The aim of the program is to connect entrepreneurs to resources and provide them support in validating their ideas, building viable solutions and exposing their products to global markets.

The 4 MIC-s were selected out of over 140 MIC-s worldwide.

MIC Pre-Accelerator program powered by Microsoft and Venture Hive is the first one in Armenia and in the region where every good idea should have a shot at viability by having access to the essential tools, resources, and expertise.

12 week intensive program provides the selected teams with mentorship, business and technology trainings, as well as with an access to resources and support from the international community for transforming the idea and concept into a strong and marketable product.

Participant teams and startups receive access to a collaborative working space and facilities in the MIC Armenia office. During the program the teams will gain extensive exposure to local and international investors to inject the initial seed funding into their startup. The program will culminate in the MIC DEMO WEEK in April 2015, where a global audience will witness the product demonstrations and startups will receive feedback from successful entrepreneurs and experts.

“MIC Pre-Accelerator targets ambitious teams and early-stage startups and an ability to be coached and to take feedback for an ultimate goal of fast execution and product validation. We give the biggest importance to the founding team and their commitment to their startup. On top of that it is vital that the idea is an innovative and disruptive web or mobile solution which addresses a real need. Throughout the program the teams should commit over 40 hours per week to the program activities to cultivate their concept into a prototype or a minimum viable product”,- MIC Startup Accelerator Program manager in Armenia Artashes Vardanyan told Itel.am.

The startups should fill in an online application form by December 29 after which each application will be evaluated in order to select and involve the best startups in the program.

Additionally on December 24 at 18.30 MIC Armenia is organizing an introductory session at MIC Armenia office to share details on application and selection processes.