NASSCOM and Facebook empower Social Impact Start-ups

Broadening its resolve towards constructing a robust and cohesive developer community inspiring large-scale innovation for new internet users, NASSCOM 10,000 start-ups are back with the second edition of Code for the Next Billion program. In partnership with Facebook, the program aims to not only inspire and encourage the “developer community” but also to make India the centre for app development and provide a strong global recognition. The Code for the Next Billion is also supported by Invest India, which will be leading an extensive outreach campaign across the Start-up India Hub.

Highlighting a firm focus to promote Social Impact Start-ups which are building mobile applications for new-to-internet/bottom of the pyramid users, the six-month-long program is aimed at accelerating the development and adoption of mobile internet applications across India.

Expressing delight over the launch of another edition of the program, K.S. Viswanathan, Vice-President (Industry Initiative), NASSCOM, said, “Today, we are witnessing a remarkable growth in the start-up ecosystem, propelled by innovative thinking and attitude to build solutions in key sectors where technology can play a revolutionary role. We believe that the program will not only catalyze the constantly innovating ecosystem but will also help design thought process in the country.”

As a part of the six-month program which has been structured into three phases, ten Social Impact Start-ups will be selected and mentored towards building a sustainable social enterprise. Starting in October, the first phase includes invitation and selection of applications from start-ups which have demonstrated a commitment to build for new-to-internet populations. In the second phase, the selected start-ups will be provided with technical, marketing, and financial mentoring, and leadership skills, to build their applications and businesses. In the third and final stage, also known as the graduation stage, start-ups will be made to connect with the industry leaders (CEOs, thought leaders, VCs, ecosystem evangelists, social change leaders), funders to bring public attention to their commitment, solutions and impact such that they inspire many other developers to build innovative solutions for new-to-internet users.

“We are excited to announce the second edition of the Code for the Next Billion, in partnership with NASSCOM. At Facebook, we want to give people the power to build community and bring the world close and to achieve this we need to help solve the social, economic and technical barriers that exist for the unconnected. The program is a step forward in supporting social impact start-ups that are building for India’s next billion and encouraging a developer ecosystem that inspires innovation,” Noted Satyajeet Singh, Head – Strategic Product Partnerships, Facebook India & South Asia

Commenting on the launch of the program, Deepak Bagla, Managing Director & CEO, Invest India, said, “Invest India is proud to partner with Code for the Next Billion, and enable it to reach all relevant stakeholders. It is extremely important that social impact start-ups receive the right support to take their businesses to the next level. The internet user base is increasing exponentially in India. This is an exciting opportunity waiting to be tapped by the start-up community. Technological innovations brought forth by entrepreneurs will encourage inclusivity and adoption of digital solutions by people across the country.”

Tags: NASSCOM, Facebook, Social Impact Start-ups, K S Viswanathan nasscom, start up eco system, Satyajeet Singh, Satyajeet Singh facebook india, varindia, Invest India, Deepak Bagla invest india, varindia