HBMSU becomes Microsoft BizSpark Network Partner

Microsoft has entered a strategic partnership agreement with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU), a mover of smart learning in the region, which effectively makes HBMSU a Microsoft BizSpark Network Partner. The move will enable HBMSU to accelerate software start-ups by allowing them to leverage Microsoft development and platform technologies to turn their business ideas into reality.

The BizSpark program is designed to accelerate the success of any company building a software based product or service that is in early stage start-up and has been in business less than three years with less than US$1 million in revenue.

BizSpark Network Partners from around the world include university incubators, hosting companies, government agencies, investors, consultants and financial institutions among others, that are chosen because their service offering is particularly appropriate for start-up companies that are supported under the Microsoft BizSpark program.

Samer Abu Ltaif, Regional General Manager, Microsoft Gulf, said "Microsoft's determination to support young entrepreneurs is unwavering and we continue to work with innovation hubs and incubators across the region as a strategic and crucial stride for us to extend our support to their ecosystems. We welcome and congratulate HBMSU on becoming our latest BizSpark Network Partner and pledge to work with them in helping to accelerate innovation through the BizSpark program--giving key opportunities to people looking to turn their great ideas into practice. We believe that fostering innovation among the youth will have a profound impact on the wellbeing of their communities."

As a Microsoft BizSpark Network Partner, HBMSU will be able to enrol start-ups to Bizspark, providing them with software solutions such as Azure cloud credits, business advice, training, incubation, collaborative office space, promotion and peer connection.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, HBMSU Chancellor, said "Innovation and entrepreneurship form the core of HBMSU and becoming a BizSpark Network Partner will tremendously support our existing efforts in these areas. We are very excited about this opportunity because Microsoft BizSpark is a valuable and proven technology solution for entrepreneurs and start-ups. It will help to drive the local UAE start-up ecosystem and provide them the ability to drive user adoption, scale their businesses and generate financial returns faster than ever before. By widening access to the BizSpark Program, more start-ups will be able to grow their businesses by offsetting some costs so that they can focus their efforts on other business challenges including research, development, investment and promotion."

HBMSU is working with a number of high-growth tech start-ups from across the UAE that will benefit from the Microsoft BizSpark program.

Microsoft BizSpark program provides tech start-ups with fast and easy access to current full-featured Microsoft development tools, platform technologies, and production licenses of server products for immediate use in developing and bringing to market innovative and interoperable solutions at no upfront costs for enrolment. It also enables connection to other network partners and support resources around the globe such as incubators, investors, advisors, government agencies and others that are equally vested in software-fuelled innovation.

It also provides global visibility to an audience of potential investors, clients and partners which tech start-ups can tap into as Microsoft BizSpark members. Microsoft BizSpark currently has over 2,000 active members in the MEA region. More than 50,000 companies have benefitted from BizSpark in more than 100 countries around the world since its inception in 2008.