İRİA joins the international "Microsoft for Startups Investor Network" program.
As part of the collaboration between the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) Microsoft a significant international growth and support opportunity has been created for startups. IDDA has joined Microsoft's international "Microsoft for Startups Investor Network" program. This partnership will not only accelerate the integration of local startups into the global technology ecosystem but also support their access to international markets, the development of innovative products, and their scalability.
Within the framework of the program, selected startups will be able to benefit from a wide range of technological and business opportunities offered by Microsoft. These include substantial Azure cloud credits, access to Azure AI infrastructure and artificial intelligence services, the use of products such as GitHub Enterprise, LinkedIn, and Visual Studio Enterprise, 24/7 technical support, as well as direct technical consultation sessions with Microsoft engineers. In addition, startups will gain access to the international innovation ecosystem to further develop and scale their products globally. As part of the collaboration, monthly evaluation and mentoring mechanisms involving Microsoft representatives will also be implemented. This approach will enable startups to receive more effective guidance throughout their development stages and make well-informed technological and business decisions.
Through these opportunities, the program aims to support startups during the product development stage, expand the adoption of artificial intelligence and cloud technologies, strengthen startups with investment attraction potential, and enhance their global competitiveness.
To facilitate startup participation, IDDA has established a dedicated application mechanism. Startups developing innovative technology-based products and services must first complete an application form and register. At this stage, startups deemed eligible will receive a referral code from IDDA. After obtaining the code, startups will be able to access Microsoft's application platform and complete the official registration process for the program. The final deadline for registration is December 1, 2026.
Applications received will be evaluated on a monthly basis jointly by representatives of IDDA and Microsoft. Selections will be made at the end of each month from among the startups that have applied, and it is expected that, on average, 40 to 50 startups will benefit from the program's credits and support opportunities during the year.
The evaluation process will be conducted according to eligibility criteria established by Microsoft. Key factors considered will include the startup's investment attraction potential or existing investment, the product's market traction and stage of development, the innovativeness and technology-driven nature of the proposed solution, the product's scalability, as well as its potential to utilize Microsoft Azure and other technological solutions.