Sri Lankan developers on Google Launchpad Accelerator
Google has inaugurated its “Launchpad Accelerator” in Sri Lanka with the purpose of allowing local IT developers to resolve indigenous set-backs with specific tailored solutions.
A Google communique reads, “… Google Launchpad Accelerator gives us an opportunity to work with and empower amazing developers, who are solving major challenges all around the world – whether it’s streamlining digital commerce across Africa, providing access to multimedia tools that support special needs education, or using AI to simplify business operations.”
In Asia, Launchpad Accelerator has been released in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, in addition to Sri Lanka. It has also been introduced to Africa, east and central Europe and South America.
Deadline for interested applicants happen online till October 02, 2017 for the equity-free programme with chosen candidates securing afully paid two-week training at the Google Developers Launchpad Space, San Francisco towards the latter part of the year.
According to Google, leading technology experts and Silicon Valley VCs will provide expert mentoring at the two-week training, with over 20 teams from Google also conducting the training.
Those who take part in the training will secure equity-free support, PR support, credits for Google products, and on returning to their native places will proceed to work in close contact with Google for the duration of the programme’s six months.
“Each start-up that applies to the Launchpad Accelerator needs to be a technological start-up based in the countries specified, targeting their local markets, with a proven product-market fit beyond ideation stage,” states the communiqué.
It goes on to state that “… Additionally, we are interested in what kind of start-up you are. We also consider: The problem you are trying to solve. How does it create value for users? How are you addressing a real challenge for your home city, country or region? Does your management team have a leadership mind-set and the drive to become an influencer? Will you share what you learn in Silicon Valley for the benefit of other start-ups in your local ecosystem?”
The chance to gain such specialised skills will strengthen the resources of Sri Lanka’s IT sector providing a chance for innovators to develop and conceptualise new products, technology and skills.
Article Code : | VBS/AT/06092017/Z_6 |