Technology giant Microsoft has announced access to free cloud
technologies for startups keen on
solving social and environmental challenges.
solving social and environmental challenges.
The free access includes up to Sh12.1 million ($120,000) in Azure credits, along with technical support and guidance.
Microsoft Azure is a set of cloud services to help businesses address various challenges
This
will be done under the Global Social Entrepreneurship programme that
the tech giant unveiled during this year’s Sankalp Forum held in
Nairobi.
The global initiative is designed to help
social enterprise start-ups build and scale their companies to do good
globally as focus shifts to realisation of the United Nations’
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Solving global social and environmental challenges requires
synergy of the right technology, partners, conducive environment and
technology,” said Microsoft4Afrika Director Amrote Abdella at the launch
of the programme.
She noted that when startups work
together with investors, enterprises, governments, non-profits and
communities, new potentials can be unlocked.
Social
enterprises with an established product or service addressing an
important social or environmental challenge qualify to apply for under
the programme.
The startups ought to show a commitment
to the ethical and responsible use of AI in their efforts to address
social and environmental challenges. Qualified startups will be eligible
for grants in the areas of sustainability, accessibility, skills and
employability.
Around the world, start-ups are creating
new businesses, built around powerful technologies and designed to make
the world a better place.
Innovators and entrepreneurs
are finding new ways to harness technology to drive purpose-led social
enterprises that measure success not just by the profits they generate,
but by the good they do.
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