Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has launched APIARY, a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Blockchain and also launched Idea Challenge Program in Blockchain at STPI incubation centre, Gurugram in association with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of Haryana, Government Blockchain Association and several blue-chip companies and top tier academic institutions. Interested startups can apply till 14th August, 2020.
The CoE shall support and guide startups for raising funds towards PoC, MVP and Marketing as well as scaling up through grants, equity and debt by leveraging connections with potential customers and CSR/Corporate sources as well as angels, High Net worth Individuals (HNIs) and VCs as per appropriate size of start-ups.
The 7,000 sq. ft. Apiary – CoE, at STPI-Gurugram aims to support 100 startups in coming 5 years. The centre aims to provide blockchain as a service and allow all stakeholders to benefit from shared learning, experiences, and resources. The startups will be mentored by a group of accomplished industry and academic pioneers, led by the Chief Mentor Pankaj Thakar, Founder, Padup and aided by a governing council & project management group consisting of top technology industrialists, investors and academicians. A number of corporate and academic partners have already come on board, including IBM, Intel, Padup Venture, Indian Angel Network, Vinners Angel Group, Padup Syndicate and Venture Catalyst. Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer, FITT- IIT Delhi/Sonepat Campus will be participating as academic partner.
Blockchain is now a widely deployed technology, finding use beyond the financial realm. The adoption of it in sectors such as e-Governance, health, agriculture, travel and several other sectors will provide trust and immutability to the assets. The objectives of opening this CoE is to boost startups in the field of blockchain technology and to contribute to Make-in-India & Digital India programmes of Govt. of India. It will create a holistic ecosystem for encouraging R&D, innovation, entrepreneurship in the blockchain technology in India by providing physical infrastructure and support services for prototyping, developing, testing & marketing; to incubate start-up units to create innovative solutions to meet the existing and emerging needs of sector; to provide business and technological mentorship & guidance in the domain; to provide networking services linking up with funding sources; to enable creation of IPs domestically.
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