The HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise) is a global technology giant which recently opened applications for the second Cohort of their Digital Catalyst Program in partnership with Start-up India and Invest India. It identifies disruptive start-ups in the enterprise tech industry and provides them with help and support. The inaugural edition of the programme concluded in 2020 and applications for this year’s edition concluded on the 19th of July. The 2021 chapter is set to commence in August and will go on for a duration of 4 months.
Purpose of the Programme
The purpose of the programme is mainly to co-innovate with disruptive start-ups in the Enterprise tech space. It was launched to identify and go to market with next gen disruptors in the Indian start-up ecosystem. The programme is mainly interested in enterprise tech start-ups in India with product-market fit (PMF), have been through a few rounds of funding, and are already having multiple paying customers.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Eligibility Criteria
Enterprise focused start-ups are eligible that offer digital platforms, cater to industries like QA (Quality Automation) and manufacturing. This year, the focus of HPEs scouting for enterprise tech start-ups will be towards areas like Artificial Intelligence, DevSecOps, Cybersecurity and Intelligence Edge. HPE is looking to partner with the best class of innovators who can respond to unprecedented times through this cohort. B2B start-ups building deep tech solutions in the above-mentioned segments are eligible this year. Also, you should be in an ideation stage, validation stage, growth-stage, early traction, or a scaling stage start-up to be eligible. Vertical agnostic start-ups are mainly eligible.
Application process
The application process is online where you need to navigate to HPE’s Digital Catalyst Program page on their official website. From here, you will be directed to Start-up India’s official website where you can view your submitted application. If you missed the deadline for this year’s application, you could apply in 2022 since this is a yearly event.
Benefits for start-ups
Shortlisted start-ups will obtain the opportunity to work with HPE along three tracks
Technology track
Tech collaboration through licensing agreements
GTM Track
Exploring joint solutions and GTM models
Investment track
Exploring investments in longer horizon technology areas through HPE’s pathfinder program.
Shortlisted start-ups mainly acquire non-fiscal initiatives also get access to resources and support including
Business and Technology Mentorship
Access to expert mentorship across sales, marketing, and technology verticals.
Rapid Prototyping Infrastructure
Access to HPEs infrastructure for building rapid prototypes.
Go-to market support
Building joint solutions with HPE
Partner onboarding
Eligible start-ups within the cohort will be handpicked to join HPE’s Global Partner Network.
Access to Investor Networks
Shortlisted start-ups get the opportunity to pitch to HPE’s Venture Capital (VC) wing, ‘HPE Path Finder’.
Access to HPE Resources
Start-ups get access to the very best of HPE resources and get the opportunity to interact with renowned mentors who are part of the program.
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The programme is mainly interested in enterprise tech start-ups in India with product-market fit (PMF), have been through a few rounds of funding, and are already having multiple paying customers.
What’s in it for me?
Start-ups which are on a level playing field with HPE’s core business will benefit from being selected in the Catalyst program. Through the program, you can get access to HPE’s presence across the world as well as the opportunity to tap into their massive consumer base. Early-stage start-ups participating in the programme can achieve accelerated growth with the support received by the global tech giant.
Participating in programmes organised by industry leaders like HPE allows you to acquire valuable guidance and to strengthen your connections within the industry. Start-ups participating stand to get a chance to develop joint solutions with HPE which you can showcase when the programme concludes. In the four-month period, you will obtain insights into how you can cater to HPEs clients with digital transformation needs. By partnering with Government Initiatives like Invest India and Start-up India, HPE has reinforced its commitment to encouraging absolute small-scale domestic start-ups to apply and obtain a chance of winning.
