IBM Sofia Accelerator Inauguration

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Let the IBM Sofia Accelerator Program begin!

For the launch of the first cohort of the IBM Sofia Accelerator program – over 70 start-up founders, business leaders, public sector representatives, mentors, and IBMers were gathered for an exciting event hosted in Campus X on March 29.

This inauguration marked the start of a 12-week program in which 11 startups, 12 accelerator partners, 20+ external mentors and 28+ IBM tech & business mentors will collaborate to grow knowledge, share expertise, and co-create future technical and go-to-market strategies. IBM will be the technology partner providing exclusive access to emerging technologies for the selected local rising star companies with the mission of integrating the power of AI into their businesses.

A Diverse and Promising First Cohort

Our inaugural cohort showcases an impressive array of startups spanning diverse sectors such as transport and logistics, healthcare, sustainability, regtech, fintech, virtual reality, visual computing, and human resources. These trailblazers have set ambitious goals, and we are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey alongside them:

• iUX
• nPloy – Job Matching & Search
• Predoctor by Childish.AI
• Roadsense by Digital Lights
• finbryte
• DynamicPricing AI
• QuarkXR
• RabbIT Solutions
• Pollenity
• Obzerver by TechnologyValley
• EPIX.AI

“Your success will be our success” – with this simple yet powerful message, Georgi Ganev – General Manager IBM Bulgaria, kicked off the program tailor made for the startup needs.

Key Benefits for the Startups

Startups participating in the IBM Sofia Accelerator will gain access to a wealth of resources, including IBM Tech Experts, IBM Cloud & Watson credits, industry-specific knowledge, and invaluable mentorship from enterprise IBM partners and clients. The accelerator program will culminate in a Demo Day in June, offering startups a platform to showcase their innovations to investors, venture capitalists, IBM executives, and regional industry leaders.

Exceptional Mentors and Partners

In addition to our outstanding startups, we are privileged to welcome a distinguished lineup of external mentors and partners who bring a wealth of expertise and insights to our accelerator program. Their guidance and mentorship will be pivotal as we navigate this exciting journey together. Some of the honorable Trailblazers are Konstantin Dzhengozov (Payhawk), Raycho Raychev (Endurosat), Deyan Vitanov(Chobolabs & Payco), Bisser Ivanov (Businessmap) and many other eminent experts from the startup and the enterprise business ecosystems.

Engaging IBM Experts for Growth and Innovation

We are leveraging the expertise of over 20+ IBM experts from various units to provide tailored technical and business coaching and mentorship to each startup. This collaboration aims to help startups refine their solutions and strategies to address the evolving needs of the enterprise clients globally.

Acknowledgments

The successful preparation, organization and kick-off of the program is attributed to the highly motivated IBM Sofia Accelerator team and the steadfast support and collaboration from the Bulgarian entrepreneur ecosystem. The empowerment and unwavering commitment to help by BESCO, CampusX, BIH, ABLE, Fund of Funds, NV3, Sofia Angel Ventures, DSK, Econt, Sirma Group, Product Tank and Sofia Investment Agency have been instrumental in driving this initiative forward.

Each company subsequently presented in brief its purpose and revealed the ambitious goals it has established for its own journey toward success. They also had the chance to network with the mentors and business leaders. At IBM, we maintain a sense of pride for being the contributing partner in converting those goals to reality through our Accelerator program.

Looking Ahead

As we embark on this transformative journey, we are excited about the opportunities to foster growth, facilitate breakthrough innovations, and create a meaningful impact. IBM goal is to supercharge the startups AI capabilities, boost scalability, enhance their value proposition, and open up new market horizons by joining them to IBM Partner Ecosystem.

Here’s to a future brimming with success, learning, and groundbreaking advancements.

Let the journey begin!

For Program Inquiries:
sofia.accelerator@ibm.com

For more information about IBM Sofia Accelerator visit the web page and program announcement blog.