- Startups showcase business-critical solutions using Artificial Intelligence, Kubernetes, Machine Learning, IoT and Blockchain.
- Cohort marks 35 alumni startups, with 3 successful exits, and follow-on funding for 70 percent of the graduating startups
- Whitepaper on an AI efficiency solution co-authored by NetApp with Curl Analytics, a cohort five startup.
Bengaluru, NFAPost: NetApp organised its sixth demo day for the NetApp Excellerator, the company’s flagship startup accelerator programme.
Embracing a new virtual world, the demo day was held via video with the six participating startups and guests from across the globe. With the sixth cohort graduating, 35 startups are now part of this unique startup accelerator program that is focused on cloud and data related technologies.
NetApp responded to the COVID lockdown with a quick transition to an online curriculum and selected six deep tech startups, Aikaan Labs, Cyborgintell, IQLECT, Koinearth, Kubesafe, and Myelin Foundry, for the sixth cohort, virtually.
Through a four-month remote networking and mentoring period, these startups strengthened their business during a global crisis situation.
Video streaming
Inspired by this opportunity, they even contributed to finding solutions in navigating this tough time. For instance, Myelin Foundry, a deep tech AI start-up that develops AI algorithms on video, voice, and sensor data for edge devices, is revolutionising the video streaming space, which is seeing a huge uptake during the pandemic.
Similarly, AiKaan Labs, a startup that provides a deep view into edge computing and IoT devices, is helping accelerate digital adoption.
During the demo day attended by investors and the tech industry, the six startups displayed diverse AI, ML and blockchain based innovative solutions ranging from predictive analytics, edge computing, and integrated supply chain management, to cloud-native application protection using Kubernetes.
Cloud data service
A cohort of five startup, Curl Analytics, also released a white paper with the leader in cloud data services NetApp. The whitepaper focuses on an integrated solution to improve the efficiency of AI processes, bringing in efficiency and cost-saving. This whitepaper is a result of the sponsored Proof-of-Concept (POC) that NetApp offered Curl Analytics as part of the program.
Attesting to the value that the NetApp Excellerator brings to the startups, Koinearth Founder Praphul Chandra said on the tech side, the company is strengthening its SaaS offering further.
“This is primarily made possible because of the cloud security expertise that NetApp shared with us. The interactions with business leaders have also helped sharpen our offering and positioning in the supply chain space,” said Koinearth Founder Praphul Chandra.
Successful funding
Commenting on the startup programme, NetApp Excellerator leader Madhurima Agarwal said the event is a unique experience for all participants and NetApp as a whole.
“The sixth cohort startups have gained real-world crisis-leadership experience. We’ve enjoyed tremendous success with all our cohorts so far including this one. After graduating, over 70% of the startups have secured follow-on funding and three alumni have had successful exits,” said NetApp Excellerator leader Madhurima Agarwal.
NetApp Excellerator leader Madhurima Agarwal said another important aspect is that we enable startups to anticipate customer needs and validate value propositions through paid Proofs-of-Concept.
Cloud and data management
Commenting on the grant success of the accelerator programme, NetApp India Managing Director Ravi Chhabria added that the company’s legacy and expertise in cloud and data management present an opportunity to drive impact in the startup community.
“Innovation is key to creating newer, more relevant solutions and sustain business operations that can stand up to a crisis. Accelerating these B2B tech startups, the new faces of rapid digital transformation, is vital in creating a strong business ecosystem,” said NetApp India Managing Director Ravi Chhabria.
NetApp India Managing Director Ravi Chhabria also pointed out that mentoring them and collaborating with them is a step towards leveraging the company’s combined technology muscle in solving novel customer challenges in this new normal.
Registrations for the seventh cohort are now open for an intense 4-month program that offers a fully paid PoC, or an equity-free grant of $15,000. B2B tech startups with products in the areas of hybrid cloud, AI, IOT, DevOps, Kubernetes and data management are invited to apply. To know more, please visit http://startup.netapp.in/.
NetApp Excellerator Cohort 6 start-ups:
| S.No. | Start-up | Description |
| 1 | Aikaan Labs | Device-management and application-orchestration platform for edge computing and IoT |
| 2 | Cyborgintell | CyborgIntell is an enterprise AI company for organizations to rapidly develop, deploy and operationalize AI applications at scale |
| 3 | IQLECT | A converged NoSql data platform for predictive and real-time analytics for operational intelligence |
| 4 | KoineArth | Blockchain and AI based ERP-compatible solution for organizations to integrate their supply chains |
| 5 | Kubesafe | Business continuity for cloud native applications |
| 6 | Myelin Foundry | Deep tech AI start-up working on video, voice, and sensor data on consumer edge devices |
NetApp is the leader in cloud data services, empowering global organizations to change their world with data. Together with our partners, we are the only ones who can help you build your unique data fabric. Simplify hybrid multicloud and securely deliver the right data, services and applications to the right people at the right time. Learn more at www.netapp.com.
