OPPO 'Elevate' Program hones focus on Indian start-ups

At the second edition of the OPPO Elevate Program, the Chinese consumer electronics company announced its plans to accelerate the development of tech start-ups in India. During the recently-held Demo Day held in Hyderabad, ten technology start-ups from the country presented their proposals for innovative tech solutions in digital health and accessible technology to jury members. 

Of these, four start-ups were adjudged winners. They will present their innovations at the OPPO Research Institute Innovation Accelerator's global final, held later this year, and stand a chance to win $46,000. The winners include wellness start-up YogiFiByWellnesys Technologies and health-tech companies TinkerTech Laboratories and Backyardcreators, CogniAble International.

The remaining presenters are entitled to collaborate with OPPO for applicable technical discussion and access to R&D facilities on mutually agreed terms and schedules. They will also be invited to Microsoft for Start-ups Founders Hub, where eligible start-ups will receive up to $1,50,000 worth of Azure credits, mentoring from experts and access to the topnotch developer and productivity tools.

A judging committee evaluates all proposals submitted to the OPPO Research Institute Innovation Accelerator to ensure they meet four key criteria: feasibility, innovation and originality, social value, and long-term potential. 

The OPPO Elevate program is an incubator hub for driving ideas, innovation and action in India. According to the company, over the last year, the initiative has empowered several start-ups to "build innovative solutions leveraging state-of-the-art equipment, global mentorship, and access to OPPO's rich network of partners, helping them drive and fast-track their way to reaching out to consumers".

Tasleem Arif, VP and R&D Head, OPPO India, said that the company aims to be a springboard for India's start-up success and add value to the ecosystem. "We need companies with a core value to support innovation. Start-ups have an inherent DNA of innovation and utilising the best technology. Through the OPPO Research Institute Innovation Accelerator and OPPO Elevate program, we will mentor tech start-ups and spur a new wave of innovation, empowering people to live healthier and happier lives."

In addition to mentorship and technical project support, the Elevate program includes workshops on product design, customer acquisition, and founders' leadership development. Focusing on two main areas of innovation, the Chinese company will provide financial and technical support to aid the development of innovative technological solutions and bring them to more users worldwide.