Fueling Startup Innovation Through Corporate Programs! Microsoft, Marico, VEEHIVE, EMIRATES, GLOCAL

The esteemed panellists bring a wealth of experience in fostering successful collaborations between corporates and startups, making this event a must-attend for founders, investors, innovators, startup enablers, and technologists alike.

Ravina Tilwani: Scale-Up Lead at Marico Innovation Foundation

Sumit Kumar Singh Product expert at Microsoft

Sathish Jeyakumar: Former Innovation Lead at Emirates and Founder of Veehive

- The foundation runs an innovation program to support startups and promote social responsibility.
- Many CSR funds are now going towards innovation activities as they believe it can create impactful solutions and value.
- The innovation labs and processes in enterprises started around 2008 when startups began disrupting the market.
- Startups face challenges in setting up and integrating with larger organizations due to bureaucracy and slow processes.
- The program provides mentors, networking opportunities, and access to resources such as Azure credits.
- Soft skills such as communication and networking are important for founders.
- The decision to focus on revenue or freedom is up to the individual founder.- Industry leaders offer mentorship and access to technology and networks to startups.
- Unilever is an example of a corporation that provides access to markets.
- Startups can make products out of bamboo and pitch them to corporations like Mariko.
- Connecting with the right mentors is important for startup success.
- Incubators and experiences can help startups survive for two years.
- Hackathons can be a way for tech founders to promote their products and services.
- Startups should be careful when choosing incubators and consider the cost in the long term.
- Microsoft Founders provide discounts for startups and a possibility to incorporate in the US.
- It is costly to run a startup in the UAE, but the startup culture is evolving.
- The concept of a startup is still new in the region.
- Communities can help founders and startups.
- Startups can join corporate programs to solve problems together.- Startups should focus on solving problems and finding solutions that cost less than the problem itself.
- It is important to consider whether partnering with corporations is the best option for solving a problem, as it may not align with the startup's goals.
- Recurring revenue can help extend a startup's runway and shape its product.
- It is important to do research and homework before joining any programs or partnerships.
- The decision to use certain infrastructure or services should be based on personal values and goals.
- Passion for solving a problem should be prioritized over seeking distribution or making money.
- It is important to consider long-term goals and market limitations when making decisions for a startup.

[alexdolbun]

HeadStart Network Foundation make a brilliant job with the Dubai Tech Talks team!