On June 12, 2019, we launched IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator. Since launch, we have been incredibly excited to see a volume of high-quality applications from both the fintech and healthtech startup scene, and from all over the world. Due to significant outreach from the startup community, we are announcing the decision to extend the application deadline to August 15, 2019.
It’s well known and statistically validated that a high percentage of startups fail. We also recognize that not a day goes by when we do not hear about a data breach. I recently read about an entire country’s tax authority being hacked and losing the majority, if not all its sensitive data.
Whether you are a startup, enterprise customer, or public sector entity, data protection and security has never been more important. This is where IBM Cloud Hyper Protect Services powered by LinuxONE come into play…an innovative technical solution we plan to arm our startups with to keep its most sensitive data secure.
How would you prefer to manage your most sensitive data in the public cloud – policy or technology? With IBM Cloud Hyper Protect Services, tech makes your data highly secure.
If your startup is dealing with high levels of personally identifiable information, keep reading, and check out our Accelerator video that highlights the program!
IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator
The program consists of three important elements: (1) global call for healthtech and fintech startup applications, (2) selection of a global cohort of 15 fintech and healthtech startups (2) an in-person workshop in the United States with travel grants available, (3) ongoing mentorship, access to IBM’s network of partners, customers, and stakeholder groups, go-to-market support, and co-marketing collaboration.
Selected startups will work with IBM and our collaborators, including IBM Alpha Zone, Queen City Fintech, MEDICI, the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs, Female Founders Alliance, and Healthtech Women to help our cohort develop their ideas into sustainable and scalable companies.
Selected startups will have access to technical workshops from IBM, an experienced network of business and technical support, connections to Queen City Fintech’s 300 business mentors, business value design assistance, curated curriculum specifically designed for startups, and up to $10,000 monthly in IBM Cloud technology credits that can be used within that month to access IBM Cloud Hyper Protect Services running on IBM LinuxONE. By the end of the program, the cohort will have had the opportunity to each receive up to $120,000 in credits.
Phase I: Call for entries
We’re looking for early-stage fintech and healthtech founders from around the world with less than $1,000,000 in revenue and less than five years old. Startups should have a website and matching email address.
The application process will remain open until August 15, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
The program is designed to create business and/or social innovations across financial services and healthcare industries.
Submit your application here.
Phase II: Startup identification
We are currently reviewing fintech and healthtech startup applications with an aim of selecting fifteen startups. Selection criteria includes how well the startup has demonstrated its value proposition, mission, problem statement, vision, audience, business / economic model, and technical roadmap.
For startups in the healthcare and financial services space needing to protect highly sensitive data in cloud native applications, LinuxONE is designed to offer a highly secured environment, and is capable of scaling as their companies grow. LinuxONE also provides the highest level of uptime and availability for companies that rely on uninterrupted service.
Phase III: In-person workshop
IBM will host an in-person workshop, which will take place over four days in Charlotte, North Carolina the week of November 18, 2019. Travel grants are available. The workshop will include agile design workshops, technical enablement, business value sessions and will result in increasing the startup’s business and technical value. The workshop will conclude in a demo day where founders will present their solutions to IBM partners, customers, and the venture capital community.
Phase IV: Ongoing mentorship & network access
To create a long-term, successful accelerator, IBM will provide virtual mentorship to this cohort of entrepreneurs, consisting of monthly one-on-one engagement and quarterly all-hands with IBM technical personnel over a two-year period. In addition to technical partnership, the cohort will receive go-to-market support and co-marketing opportunities with IBM.
The cohort will also receive virtual business mentorship over a one-year period, which includes monthly one-on-ones and quarterly all-hands. After one year of mentorship, the cohort will be invited back to a second in-person demo day.
Diversity and inclusion
IBM recognizes that diversity and inclusion are integral to a company’s strategic and profitability objectives—solidifying the connection between customer satisfaction and winning in the marketplace. IBM values opportunities for businesses owned and operated by minorities, women, LGBT+, disabled veterans, and other disabled persons.
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Apply now!