Microsoft providing technology, mentorship to Startup Edmonton
EDMONTON Small up-and-coming companies in Edmonton will be getting a boost from an international technology giant through program and mentorship opportunities.
Microsoft for Startups Canada will provide up to $120,000 in Microsoft Azure program credits as well as technical support to members of Startup Edmonton through a new collaboration to be announced today.
“The collaboration will leverage Startup Edmonton and Microsoft for Startups’ shared goal of nurturing and growing the startup ecosystem in Edmonton with specific events and programming tailored to the community,” said a news release.
More than 65 companies in Startup Edmonton will have access to Microsoft’s expertise and resources through joint initiatives and events including expert-led lunch and learn sessions, office hours and events focusing on artificial intelligence, diversity and inclusion.
“Since 2009, supporting the incredibly hardworking founders and the teams at startups has been at the heart of our work at Startup Edmonton. Our collaboration with Microsoft for Startups is an amazing opportunity to enhance opportunities for our founders to increase their skill-base, but also expand their networks to the world,” said Startup Edmonton CEO Tiffany Linke-boyko in the news release. “I can’t wait for the Microsoft for Startups team to meet our companies and get more involved in the community.”
Dedicated resources available to member startups will help prepare marketing and sales teams to sell their product to enterprise organizations, the release said.
“With over a decade of hardwon experience supporting area startups, we’re thrilled to team with Startup Edmonton to help these founders quickly scale their companies with streamlined access to technology and business connections,” said Adam Nanjee, Microsoft for Startups managing director of Canada, in the release. “There has never been a better time to be a startup in Canada.”
Startup Edmonton, initially founded by friends in 2009 to help big ideas grow, is a subset of the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation.