TODAY

Yangon, Myanmar

 Myanmanr’s next generation of entrpreneurs, ICT professionals, developers, mentors and investors who participate within Ooredoo’s IdeaBox intiative were given a boost today with the news that a partnership agreement has been signed with Microsoft lending  them access to the DreamSpark and BizSpark programs http://www.microsoft.com/bizspark/

The IdeaBox initiative has gained terrific momentum in Myanmar in recent months, driven by positive outcomes from the nation’s first ever Hackathon,- a contest to create tech-based solutions – regular networking via the introduction of the global Mobile Monday’s forum and the launch of its ICT incubator and accelerator programme. Now, through a partnership with Microsoft, the IdeaBox community will have access to a range of leading tools and services offered by the software giant’s DreamSpark and BizSpark programs.

BizSpark offers a global audience access to software, developer tools, support, training and access to cloud technology to enable developers to innovate and execute programs. Free access to Windows stores and the ability to access the global BizSpark community enables new ventures to build scale quickly.

Microsoft’s DreamSpark program targets the next generation of entrepreneurs by supporting students, educators and academic institutions. By delivering a diverse set of resources to educators, DreamSpark makes learning more relevant, motivating and engaging. By providing professional developer tools, students are enabled to innovate and given the opportunity to create breakthroughs in technology.

Speaking at the official signing of the partnership, Ooredoo Myanmar’s CEO Ross Cormack highlighted the benefits of collaboration:

‘At the end of the day, we’re a communications company. We understand the value of coming together and sharing, to enable the people of Myanmar to take advantage of the leapfrog in technology that our network roll-out will deliver.’

Microsoft’s President of Asia Pacific  César Cernuda was equally positive about the possibilities the partnership provides, ‘Myanmar has tremendous potential to become a key player in the Asian economy. We are proud to be able to provide technology programs and help local citizens develop the right skills that will allow them to maximize the opportunities that will come up from the region.’

As well as providing memberships to the DreamSpark and BizSpark programmes, the partnership between Ooredoo and Microsoft will see the companies collaborate further in a range of ICT focused events.