Germany-based software company SAP has announced a global programme that will aim to provide comprehensive support for students who want to start businesses that involve big data development and real-time solutions applications.
Participants in the programme will be able to use SAP software free of charge and receive support in developing new applications on the SAP HANA and SAP Mobile platforms, and will be trained in design thinking methodology to help them along the process from an idea through to the finished product.
Once students have set up their business, they can participate in the SAP Startup Focus programme through which they will receive free-of-charge technical support, consulting and marketing services from SAP. SAP will assist with the market launch, provide access to the SAP partner network and offer opportunities to participate or hold presentations at events organised by SAP or other manufacturers. Young entrepreneurs will also receive access to SAP Ventures to open up new sources of funding.
SAP plans to roll out the program first in Europe and later in Asia and the US, and aims to win 100 universities as partners by the end of 2014. Leading universities worldwide have already expressed interest in supporting 10,000 potential student entrepreneurs as multipliers and by developing relevant curricula.
This new entrepreneurship programme is part of the SAP University Alliances program, a global initiative with nearly 1,500 member institutions in more than 80 countries. SAP University Alliances is aimed at universities and vocational schools that want to actively integrate SAP software into their teaching. SAP promotes real-life, future-oriented training through the program by making the latest SAP technology available to lecturers and students worldwide.