OPPO India with Microsoft introduce 2nd edition of Elevate program

Building on its vision to drive innovation from India, OPPO India announced its collaboration with Microsoft for Startups to launch the 2nd edition of the OPPO Elevate program to empower startups in the country. Through this program, OPPO aims to accelerate the overall innovation culture in India and mentor startups who have the potential to bring the next big technological change in the industry.

Starting May 19th, startups across “Accessible Technology” and “Digital Health” will be able to apply for the India edition of the program. These proposals will be reviewed by an esteemed jury of experts, led by Tasleem Arif, VP and R&D Head, OPPO India, Madhurima Agarwal, Country Head-India, Microsoft for startup among others.

The top ten selected startups will get a chance to present their proposals to the jury in an event in August 2022. Further these ten startups will also be entitled to a collaboration with OPPO for applicable technical discussion and access to R&D facilities (Labs, spaces, Mobile devices) on mutually agreed terms and schedule. The India jury will select 3 startups who will be entering the global Innovation Accelerator Program.

As part of the Elevate program, all participants will be invited to Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub and eligible startups can receive up to USD150K worth of Azure credits, mentoring and guidance from business and technical experts as well as access to world-class developer and productivity tools.

Commenting on this initiative, Tasleem Arif, Vice President and R&D Head, OPPO India, said, “At OPPO, we believe in developing solutions which brings optimism and inspiration against the challenges and uncertainties, aligned with our brand proposition of Inspiration Ahead. We have been leading virtuous innovation in the country through the years and the elevate program opens doors for the new age innovators to contribute to the same. The OPPO Elevate program has seen momentous success since its inception and with the second edition, we aim to build the innovation in health and accessibility and highlight Indian innovation on a global platform.”

Madhurima Agarwal, Country Head - Microsoft for Startups, India said, “Startups are reimagining both widening and deepening of tech impact through their innovations in the areas of accessibility and healthcare. The collaboration between OPPO India and Microsoft for Startups extends our commitment to boost the innovation and entrepreneurial energy of startups in the country. Through this program, we hope to help startups truly scale the impact of digital innovation with the combined resources of both organizations.”

OPPO Elevate will help the brand harness the power of innovation by extending a palatial platform for start-ups to collaborate. Through a robust partnership, the OPPO Elevate program will help young startups with some remarkably interesting ideas to enter a fast-growing ecosystem of innovation. This program will offer professional advice, support, and opportunity to leverage OPPO’s products, resources, and distribution channels to take off their innovation.

The brand introduced OPPO Research Institute Innovation Accelerator program which aims to bring innovative solutions to life and create a better future together. The Innovation Accelerator is being held by the OPPO Research Institute in association with Microsoft for Startups. The program aims to encourage all technology innovators to solve some of the most pressing issues facing humanity even amid times of uncertainty.

Centered on the theme of ‘Virtuous Innovation’, OPPO is looking to recruit proposals under two entry categories — Accessible Technology and Digital Health. Following the evaluation of proposals submitted by participating teams or individuals, up to ten proposals will be awarded grants of USD $46,000 each, as well as further opportunities for investment opportunities, technical support, research and commercial partnerships, and promotion at global events.

OPPO has been actively collaborating with startups globally to drive solutions around Accessible Technology and Digital Health. In line with this we also developed Simple Mode, Screen Share and other features designed for elderly users. Since being released, these features have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users and have helped solve many of the typical challenges faced by elderly populations when using technology.

OPPO has undertaken multiple efforts in India to accelerate the overall innovation culture in India and mentor start-ups who have the potential to bring the next big technological change in the industry under the Elevate program. Applications for the second edition of OPPO Elevate will be open from May 16 to July 10, 2022. Following this, there will be an assessment by OPPO followed by the presentation to the jury and winner announcement on August 5.