Dialog powers launch of SLINTEC Start-up Engine for aspiring entrepreneurs

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, powered the launch of the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) Start-up Engine, Sri Lanka’s first science and technology incubation and acceleration programme, designed for the scientific and engineering entrepreneur community.

The event was inaugurated on February 7, 2019, at the Institute of Policy Studies.

SLINTEC’S Start-up Engine is a twopronged programme, inclusive of an accelerator and incubator, for projects unique to the science and technology sectors. A first of its kind in Sri Lanka, the start-up engine aims to support entrepreneurs who are looking to initiate science-based businesses in the areas of advanced materials, textiles, agriculture, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. While the incubator works to attract new ideas that have the potential to be nurtured and advanced at SLINTEC, the accelerator aims to provide the opportunity for entrepreneurs to take mature projects completed by SLINTEC and successfully launch them into the market.

This particular start-up engine differentiates itself from other platforms by providing participants with access to state-ofthe-art equipment and laboratory facilities, typically unavailable in the local context. Moreover, it provides for incubation space in Homagama (at SLINTEC) with like-minded science and engineering resources to support young entrepreneurs.

SLINTEC Technology Transfer Head Dr. Rangika de Silva said, “We are excited to launch the SLINTEC Start-up Engine that supports entrepreneurs in the fields of science and technology, adding a new dimension to the start-up ecosystem in the country.”

SLINTEC is considered the pioneering research facility in Sri Lanka (Nanotechnology and Science Park) for conducting nano and advanced technologybased research focusing on pure scientific research as well as industry and productoriented applied scientific research.