Google, HDFC Bank, TCS to sponsor 'Next BIG Idea' contest

Zone Start-ups India and Ontario government's Next BIG Idea contest has partnered Google, HDFC Bank and TCS for the event this year.

In its fourth edition, the contest will provide technology start-ups an opportunity to tap into the North American market.

The contest will select five hi-tech, high potential start-ups at an early stage, and provide them a gateway to North America through technology business incubator DMZ.

"Corporates have a key role to play in helping start-ups leverage the market opportunity, and hence the contest has always partnered with an industry leader. This year, the contest has become much bigger with Google, HDFC Bank and TCS coming on board as sponsor partners," Ajay Ramasubramaniam, Director, Zone Start-ups said.

The contest is being launched today alongside a panel discussion titled 'Think Beyond Silicon Valley', which gives perspectives of global start-up hotbeds in Canada, France and Israel.

The next couple of weeks will see Zone Start-ups India host roadshows across 11 Indian cities, to launch the contest pan-India.

"This year we have already received over 700 registrations for attending the roadshows," he added.

HDFC Bank is seeking to reach out to start-ups across India for its SmartUP Platform and this contest will enhance the bank's visibility within the start-up ecosystem, the statement said.

Likewise, TCS is keen to engage with start-ups through their Co-Innovation Network platform, and the contest will help startups connect with TCS, and explore any joint go-to-market strategy, it added.

Some of the past winners of the contest include CitrusPay, Vidooly, Konotor, ShieldSquare, Survelytics, and Plackal.

The contest is an application-based process, where entries are evaluated on the basis of clarity of concept, innovativeness of the idea, development feasibility and the marketability of the product.

The five winners get an all expenses paid, two weeks bespoke programing tailored to their needs for exploring the North American market.