Nasscom partners with Facebook to launch initiative for developers to drive innovation

Industry body Nasscom today partnered Facebook to launch a new initiative to support developers building apps and mobile websites for "new-to-Internet" users.

Under the 'Leaders Building for the Next Billion Program', Nasscom will invite developers and students through an application process.

Of these, 10 developers will be selected who will be provided with technical, marketing, financial support and leadership skills to build their applications and businesses, Nasscom said in a statement. 

Social networking giant Facebook is the first partner for the initiative. "Facebook will fund the creation of this track at Nasscom 10,000 Startups and welcomes partnerships with other technology leaders to strengthen and expand the programme.

"The participants will also qualify for USD 80,000 worth of support through our FBStart programme and additional ad credits to build their business," Facebook said.

Nasscom added: "They will further be connected to industry leaders like CEOs, thought leaders, VCs, ecosystem evangelists, social change leaders, founders and the media 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."

India has one of the world's largest Internet user-base with a majority of new users coming online through their mobile devices.