ADELAIDE, Australia, Mar. 9 (ANTARA/Medianet International-AsiaNet) --
Applications are now open for the inaugural ANZ Innovyz START program - a three month accelerator program modelled after the highly successful TechStars program in the United States (rated as the world's #1 accelerator program).
ANZ and Innovyz have signed an agreement to launch the ANZ Innovyz START program aimed at fostering innovation and helping entrepreneurs in Australia and Asia Pacific start and grow their companies.
Many companies apply, but only 10 are accepted, depending on the breakthrough nature of their innovations and the quality of their founding teams. The program pays the founders of the chosen businesses $6,000 (up to three founders/company). In addition, each company is provided free space in the ANZ Innovyz START facility, free tuition to the program, plus $85,000+ of in-kind services and perks from some of the world's leading companies, e.g., Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Rackspace and many more.
ANZ Innovyz START is one of 40 accelerators in the Global Accelerator Network founded by TechStars and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere.
The first program will begin on May 28, 2012 and will require the founders of the 10 selected companies to reside in Adelaide for the intensive three month program.
The program includes mentoring by successful entrepreneurs, learning programs focused on growing a company, identifying target markets, working and reworking the company's plan, and a presentation to potential investors on the final day of the program.
The ANZ Innovyz START program has attracted Dr Jana Matthews as Program Director. Dr Matthews is the founding CEO of The Jana Matthews Group, based in Boulder, Colorado and an international expert on entrepreneurial leadership and business growth.
David Cohen, founder and CEO of TechStars in Boulder, Colorado - the program on which ANZ Innovyz START is modelled - says he's excited to see the mentorship-driven accelerator model expanding into the Southern Hemisphere.
"We established TechStars with a vision of promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the US through a focus on mentor-driven, peer-to-peer learning and the results speak for themselves. I am hopeful that ANZ Innovyz Start can replicate our results in Australia" he says.
The ANZ Innovyz Start program's success is based on company founders having ready access to a range of influential and experienced mentors and advisors. The new Australian program has already attracted a stellar pool of mentors with a broad range of experience from overseas and nationally.
"This is an incredible opportunity for innovators to tap into some of the best entrepreneurial minds in the business," says Dr Matthews.
"I encourage innovators and entrepreneurs to apply early for this extraordinary program."
Key dates:
* April 20 - Applications close
* May 14 - Ten successful companies announced
* May 28 - ANZ Innovyz START program begins (3 months)
To apply, go to www.innovyzstart.com
For further details and interview opportunities please contact:
Leigh McClusky
Company Principal: McClusky & Co Public Relations and Communications
Tel: +61-411-711-780 or +61-8-8372-3000
leigh@mccluskyco.com.au
ANZ Innovyz Start Program Director
Dr Jana Matthews
Jana@innovyz.com
SOURCE: Innovyz
Editor: PR Wire
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