Facebook unveils new initiatives and expands programmes for startups in India

Facebook, on Tuesday, said it will foster the growing tech ecosystem in India and would offer meaningful support to more entrepreneurs and startups through some of its key programmes. 

At the Facebook India Startup Day held in the capital, the social media company spoke of how India will prosper once startups flourish. “We are creating programmes that can fuel startups to build businesses of tomorrow through mentoring, regular trainings, workshops and meetups. Within this year, we have closely with over 200 startups through our varied programmes,” Satyajeet Singh, Head of Platform Partnerships, Facebook India and South Asia said. 

The company also unveiled plans of expanding efforts to more cities and for aspiring entrepreneurs. Among some of its initiatives to support startups include ‘SheLeadsTech Roadshow,’ which is for women-led startups, setting up of three innovation hubs that will include collaborations with co-working spaces in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore and  doubling its reach via ‘Developer Circles.’ 

Also speaking at the event, Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Aayog said that the innovation being seen currently in the startup space is indeed heartening. “If you look at a vast number of startups across India - within the tech sector, cutting edge technology is being used to enable India to leapfrog technology. A lot of work is also going on in social innovation. Amazing work is being done in education, health and agriculture and that’s where real innovation is needed. It is amazing that such innovation will spur radical transformation in areas where India needs it the most.”

The event concluded with startup awards being presented across five different categories to recognise some of the most innovative work in India’s thriving startup space. 

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