Hyderabad, July 17, 2018 – T-Hub, a global startup catalyst that powers entrepreneurship and deal flow and Communitech, a Canada based public-private innovation hub, today announced the call-for-applications for the Global Bridge program. The program will provide entrepreneurs, startups, and scale-ups from Canada, a gateway to the Indian market.
T-Hub and Communitech signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to India earlier this year.
As a gateway to the Indian market, T-Hub will invite applications from Canadian startups and scale-ups to extend its expertise in scaling their operations in India. Founded by Communitech, Canadian Digital Media Network (CDMN) will enable it’s connect to the national network of 26 regional innovation organizations across Canada for the Global Bridge program.
T-Hub is focused on startups in clean technologies, sustainable infrastructure, healthcare, biotechnology, B2B (business-to-business) enterprise solutions, and SaaS (software-as-a-service). Through mentorship, T-Hub will enable Canadian entrepreneurs to offer high-quality solutions to Indian consumers and supercharge innovation, while bolstering trade relations and knowledge-transfer between both countries.
“T-Hub is the anchor to the global startup ecosystem for India. Being the world’s third-largest economy on purchasing power parity and the fourth fastest-growing economy, India unlocks huge opportunities for global entrepreneurs to scale their businesses,” said Jay Krishnan, CEO, T-Hub.
He added, “the Global Bridge program is a shining example of how key ecosystems that have great IP and an exploding market can come together. This is an opportunity for India and Canada to strengthen their partnerships and facilitate innovations that solve real problems. Canadian startups will benefit from the vast market, while India will receive technology solutions in critical areas such as sustainability and healthcare.”
“Better equipping aspiring innovators, entrepreneurs, women, and millennials to expand their reach and solve corporate challenges will open newer markets between our two countries for years to come. Our government recognizes that fast-tracking innovation in a globally connected world is about establishing new gateways and partnerships that will accelerate ideas, innovate, and compete in global markets. Co-innovation and growing a stronger ecosystem that unlocks new talent will enhance global opportunities between Canada and India and create good middle-class jobs,” said the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism.
“India offers an immense opportunity as a market for Canadian companies looking to expand globally. To be able to access this market while having the support of an organization like T-Hub and a program like Global Bridge is a huge asset. Being accepted into this program offered by Communitech, the Canadian Digital Media Network and India’s T-Hub will result in a much more successful entry into India for Canadian tech companies,” said Lisa Cashmore, Communitech’s Director of International Strategy.
Selected companies will receive two and a half months of virtual coaching and access to resources, followed by three weeks in market. While in India, company representatives will participate in formal programming in Hyderabad, and have the opportunity to network and travel for sales meetings around the country. Companies will receive up to $4,000 CAD to help offset travel and accommodation costs to be reimbursed by CDMN. Through this program companies will receive:
● Support in product localization, business model validation for the Indian market and understanding the local business culture
● A dedicated mentor and Entrepreneur-in-Residence, who will provide support throughout the program
● Access corporate partners, industry leaders, government engagement, demo days, media activities, and networking events on a continuous basis.
The applicants will need to meet the following eligibility criteria to enter the program:
● Canadian tech company (established startup or scale-up) working on a solution in one of these verticals:
○ Clean technologies and sustainable infrastructure;
○ Health and biotechnology
● B2B enterprise solutions: The company has launched a product and is generating revenue
● Validated and proven business and distribution model that can be translated to the Indian market
● Willingness to invest time and resources to enter the Indian market.
NASSCOM’s recent report states that India is currently the third largest startup ecosystem in the world and is rapidly growing. Focused on building a stronger startup ecosystem for India, T-Hub is the most effective launch pad for international startups. It provides access to leading global corporates, state governments, and investors.
The applications for Canadian companies are now open and will close August 15, 2018. For more information please visit https://t-hub.co/globalbridge_ca_in.
