Zone Startups expands accelerator space, doubly equipped to support larger number of startups and entrepreneurs

Zone Startups India, an international joint-venture between Ryerson Futures Inc (Toronto) and the BSE Institute, announces expansion of its accelerator space, with the support of the National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board, Government of India.

This makes Zone Startups India the first Startup Accelerator to receive this grant under the NSTEDB program (National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board), which is under the Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India. The grant money will be used by Zone Startups India to almost double its current operating space at the BSE in Mumbai and support a larger number of startups and entrepreneurs.

In the next phase of growth ZONE STARTUPS INDIA is​​ launching new programs targeted at student entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs; as well as setting up a new centre which will be a soft-landing hub for international tech startups seeking to expand into Mumbai, India.

Started in February of 2014, ZONE STARTUPS INDIA accelerates technology start-ups, with a focus on enterprise technologies. Till date, Zone Startups India has accelerated 66 startups. Over the past year, 14 startups have cumulatively raised in excess of INR 30 Crores.

Dr. Mohamed Lachemi - Interim President  & Vice Chancellor, Ryerson University said, "As Canada’s leading innovation university, Ryerson recognizes the importance of partnerships for our researchers, our students and our community," said Mohamed Lachemi, interim President, Ryerson University, Canada. "We know that partnerships with BSEI and multiple universities in India fosters the sharing of best practices, knowledge, and new opportunities for economic and social development."

Matt Saunders - President, Ryerson Futures Inc said, "Today, we are pleased to announce the expansion of our accelerator space, with the support of National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board, Government of India. That makes us the only international accelerator program in India, to have this status. We look forward to assisting many more early stage technology companies in their market validation and customer acquisition phase."

Ajay Ramasubramaniam - Director, Zone Startups India said "Over the past 2 years, Zone Startups India has accelerated 66 startups, by enabling an extensive industry connect and customer-focused approach. 12 of these startups have successfully raised venture funding, and we have helped all our enterprise startups get industry validation, and acquire their first set of customers. In the next phase of growth we are launching new programs targeted at student entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs; as well as a new centre which is a soft-landing hub for international tech startups seeking to expand into Mumbai, India"