IBM Startup

Take the opportunity to get the full power of IBM to fuel your startup journey. Accepted companies get a dedicated contact person from our startup team throughout the 12month program period. Based on program path, Incubation or Acceleration, you customize activities within business and technology that best fuels your journey.

Who is it for?

IBM are looking for entrepreneur teams with B2B solutions aiming to alter the competitive landscape or make a social impact in established industries or technology domains. A focus on medium to large companies is preferred but not required. Solutions based on (academic) research are highly valued. The cross functional capabilities of the team and their ability to receive our help are important. Finally IBM look at how they get along knowing that’s beside purpose that’s the source of energy to make a difference, sharing and giving to people you respect and trust.

Our program requisite is that you find value and are open to base your solution in whole or to large extent on IBM services or products. In particular IBM public cloud (where IBM offer free credits) but also IBM Cloud paks and IBM hardware are examples of eligible products.

Incubation or acceleration paths

Both paths leverage the startup with IBM cloud program offering up to 10000USD/month in cloud credits during 12 months

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Incubation paths

Startup teams in development or having recently launched are offered IBM`s incubation path. IBM set a customized plan for the program period with value driving activities in business and technology. Typical business activities are: business model review and business case introduction, IBM warm client introductions and marketing events to target. In tech IBM look at: meeting B2B service availability demands, architecture review, open source stacks and IBM tech fit.

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Acceleration path

For entrepreneur teams looking to scale their solution and sales through a mix of digital and F2F sales across Nordic or Europe IBM provide an Acceleration path. IBM scale your routes to market by helping to establish a sales partner program leveraging IBM business partner ecosystem and distributors. Introduction to IBM global industry leaders and offering managers are made for potential collaborations. IBM also revisit your service architecture to ensure geographic and user scalability.

How to apply?

IBM offer the following services and assistance and this is a Scandinavian initiative. Along the way, it is assessed whether the startup is ready to join the global IBM startup program. It is important to remember that startups can choose to do something different after each step so they are not bound in any way, but we believe IBM can contribute real value throughout the process.

  1. Fill out the application form to tell IBM about your solution, your team and the market you are in.

  2. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet.

  3. IBM continuously assess and accept teams. Let’s collaborate!

Program graduation

Continue your relationship as an IBM Business Partner

Upon reaching program graduation IBM hope to have earned your trust making you decide to continue relying on IBM tech while delivering your services. An introduction will be made to your new primary contact within IBM ecosystem including a dialogue about your current monthly cloud spend, suggesting modifications based on workload if needed. If it fits your business plan IBM guide you in becoming a fully fledged IBM Business Partner with access to trainings, certifications, Co-Marketing programs and more.

Eligibility conditions

What IBM are looking for & requisite for participation

IBM are looking for entrepreneur teams with B2B solutions aiming to alter the competitive landscape or make a social impact in established industries or technology domains. A focus on medium to large companies is preferred but not required. Solutions based on (academic) research are highly valued. The cross functional capabilities of the team and ability to receive IBM`s help are important. Finally IBM look at how they get along knowing that’s beside purpose that’s the source of energy to make a difference, sharing and giving to people you respect and trust. Their program requisite is that you find value and are open to base your solution in whole or to large extent on IBM services or products. In particular IBM public cloud (where they offer free credits) but also IBM Cloud paks or server hardware are eligible products.

Meet the team

An experienced team with technical and B2B business skills and with great networks inside IBM and in the IBM ecosystem.

Do you want more information about IBM`s offering Odd Gurvin at Norwegian Cognitive Center can also provide more details. Contact him at +47 900 50 132 or [email protected]