Nasscom, Facebook Collaborate To Boost App Development

NASSCOM 10,000 startups start the second edition of ‘Code for The Next Billion’ program in partnership with Facebook, the program aims to encourage the “developer community” and make India the center for app development and provide a strong global recognition.

As per NASSCOM’s internet report, the number of internet users in India will see a two-fold rise at 730 million by 2020. Hence, there is a huge opportunity to connect them with useful services and information. The program aims to invest in developers who are building mobile apps to inspire large-scale innovation for new internet users, the industry body said in a statement.

Highlighting a firm focus to promote Social Impact Start-ups who are building mobile applications for new-to-internet/bottom of the pyramid users, the six-month-long program is aimed at accelerating the development and adoption of mobile internet applications across India.

“Today, we are witnessing a remarkable growth in the start-up ecosystem, propelled by innovative thinking and attitude to build solutions in key sectors where technology can play a revolutionary role. We believe that the program will not only catalyze the constantly innovating ecosystem but will also help design thought process in the country,” said, KS Viswanathan, Vice President (Industry Initiative), NASSCOM.

As a part of the six-month program, which has been structured into three phases, ten Social Impact Startups will be selected and mentored towards building a sustainable social enterprise. Starting in October, the first phase includes invitation and selection of applications from startups who have demonstrated a commitment to build for new-to-internet populations. In the second phase, the selected startups will be provided with technical, marketing, and financial mentoring, and leadership skills, to build their applications and businesses. In the third and final stage, also known as the graduation stage, startups will be made to connect with the industry leaders (CEOs, thought leaders, VCs, ecosystem evangelists, social change leaders), funders to bring public attention to their commitment, solutions, and impact such that they inspire many other developers to build innovative solutions for new-to-internet users.

“We are excited to announce the second edition of Code for the Next Billion, in partnership with NASSCOM. At Facebook, we want to give people the power to build community and bring the world close and to achieve this we need to help solve the social, economic and technical barriers that exist for the unconnected. The program is a step forward in supporting social impact startups that are building for India’s next billion and encouraging a developer ecosystem that inspires innovation,” noted Satyajeet Singh, Head - Strategic Product Partnerships - Facebook India & South Asia.

 The partnership with Facebook will open new horizons for the developer community in India providing them the right support to develop and build innovative apps and mobile websites in the areas of education, financial, health, and public utility, the statement added.