International ride-hailing service provider inDrive announced the launch of upDrive Program aimed at fostering and supporting the burgeoning startup ecosystem in the Southeast Asia (SEA) region.
UpDrive is a program designed to accelerate the maturity level of local startup communities in emerging markets by providing tailored resources.
“The program reflects the company’s commitment to nurturing innovation and driving economic growth in one of the world’s most promising and dynamic markets,” the company said in a statement today (Oct 27).
It consists of four stages, first two being offline educational and network event for startup ecosystem and community contributors and call for startup initiatives aimed to support local startup founders to win monetary grants.
In the third stage, it will select the best local startup initiatives, which will receive USD 15,000 each and the grant winning start up initiatives would later launch.
inDrive Startup Programs head Daria Shubina said it firmly believe in the potential of Southeast Asia’s vibrant startup community.
“With UpDrive, we aim to provide a launchpad for the region’s brightest minds and most efficient support initiatives for startups.
“By bringing together experienced startup ecosystem professionals and giving them the space to nurture new ideas and develop existing ideas, we hope to facilitate the growth and success of the SEA region startup ecosystem.”
UpDrive will officially kick off with a flagship offline event in Jakarta, Indonesia, from Dec 5 to 7, and will feature presentation of case studies, panel discussions with industry experts, and workshops covering topics such as creating an efficient pipeline of startups.
