Tech Startups: Here Is A Chance To Take Your Rocketships To The UK

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) in association with iSPIRT has launched GREAT Tech Rocketships (GTRS) initiative 2016 for startups to explore global markets.

‘RocketShips to the UK’ will provide startups a platform to transform their ideas into fast-moving and hyper-growth ‘rocketships’ globally.

The startups will get networking opportunities and mentoring sessions from experienced industry leaders, veterans, venture capitalists and mentors, and access to vital resources.

The startups can apply by filling the form and explain why they want to explore UK market. Last date to apply is January 31, 2016.

The shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch to a panel of experts at various locations in India including Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai and Gurgaon.

Top 10 teams from the regional rounds will be invited to a week-long mentoring program (attending the mentoring program is not mandatory), where they will get advice and inputs from experienced entrepreneurs and investors. Post which, startups will pitch to a high-powered jury at the finale, from which some companies will be shortlisted by UKTI as the winners who will go to the UK. These shortlisted participants will get a detailed feedback and assessment report from Applyifi.

Who can apply?

• Startups that have high potential and are on a fast-growth trajectory.
• Startups that have experience with a global client-base, or pursuing global expansion.

The jury includes Sharad Sharma, ex-CEO of Yahoo! India R&D; Julie Lake, co-founder of FinTech50 and Director of FinTechCity; Baz Saidieh, CEO of TrueStart; Ian Fordham CEO of Edtech UK; Satyam Bansal, director Strategic Alliances and Gift Cards; and Prajakt Raut, founder of The Hub for Startups and Applyifi.com.

What will the winners get?

• A week-long trip to UK with fully paid flights and accommodation charges
• A chance to interact with investors, local entrepreneurs, policy makers, accelerators and incubators.
• A guided tour of Tech City, innovation hub and science tech-park, where they can network with like-minded entrepreneurs, startups, research scholars and pioneering companies, explore local entrepreneurship eco-system in the country and identify opportunities to scale up their business in the global level.

The program was started last year with intent to provide a platform to startups with innovative and disruptive ideas that have the potential to scale up globally. Last year, close to 300 startups had sent their nominations of which 61 ideas were shortlisted after which five startups were declared winners which included Agrima Infotech, Congruent, Frilp, ToneTag and Talview.

You can apply here.

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