Myanmar’s next generation of entrepreneurs, ICT professionals, developers and investors who participate within Ooredoo’s IdeaBox initiative were given a boost with the signing of a partnership agreement with Microsoft lending them access to the DreamSpark and BizSpark programs.
The IdeaBox initiative has gained momentum in Myanmar in recent months, driven by the nation’s first ever Hackathon – a contest to create tech-based solutions – regular networking via the introduction of the global Mobile Monday’s forum and the launch of its ICT incubator and accelerator programme.
Now, through the partnership with Microsoft, the IdeaBox community will have access to a range of tools and services offered by the software giant’s DreamSpark and BizSpark programs.
“At the end of the day, we’re a communications company. We understand the value of coming together and sharing, to enable the people of Myanmar to take advantage of the leapfrog in technology that our network rollout will deliver,” Ross Cormack, Ooredoo Myanmar CEO said.
BizSpark offers a global audience access to software, developer tools, support, training and access to cloud technology to enable developers to innovate and execute programs. Free access to Windows stores and the ability to access the global BizSpark community enables new ventures to build scale quickly.
Microsoft’s DreamSpark program targets the next generation of entrepreneurs by supporting students, educators and academic institutions. By providing professional developer tools, students are enabled to innovate and given the opportunity to create breakthroughs in technology.
Microsoft’s President of Asia Pacific César Cernuda said: “Myanmar has tremendous potential to become a key player in the Asian economy. We are proud to be able to provide technology programs and help local citizens develop the right skills that will allow them to maximise the opportunities that will come up from the region.”
As well as providing memberships to the DreamSpark and BizSpark programmes, the partnership between Ooredoo and Microsoft will see the companies collaborate further in a range of ICT focused events.
