IBM, IAN collaborate to boost Indian start-up ecosystem

Bengaluru, Oct 19: US-based technology company IBM and Indian Angel Network (IAN) on Wednesday announced a partnership to accelerate technology innovations in the start-up and entrepreneurial ecosystem in India.

Under this collaboration, the IAN portfolio companies will work with IBM to build thought leadership by leveraging workshops and "IBM IX Studios" programme and they will have access to IBM's cognitive, cloud, analytics, IoT and mobility services.

With more than 400 investors from 10 countries, IAN is India's largest angel network and has already made over 20 investments in the first half of 2016.

"We believe this synergistic partnership will breed innovative technologies and grow global footprint companies from India," Padmaja Ruparel, Co-founder, President IAN, said in a statement.

IBM and IAN will organise knowledge sharing and enablement sessions on cognitive learning, analytics and product design.

"IBM will engage, influence and mentor the early stage start-up ecosystem and additionally nurture an IP-led start-up ecosystem focused on IOT, artificial intelligence, security, commerce and design thinking," added Nipun Mehrotra, Vice President, Growth Initiatives IBM India/South Asia. 

The IAN portfolio start-up companies will also have the opportunity to apply for the IBM Global Entrepreneur Programme, which provides mentoring and networking opportunities with enterprise clients