Microsoft seeking start-ups for its FY14 cohort accelerator program in Queensland

The Microsoft Innovation Centre in Queensland is searching for tech start-ups with global growth potential to join their Start-up Class of FY14.

This the first time the program has been run. The pilot start-up cohort program connects tech start-ups to office space, mentors and devices and training. There are quarterly development days for the whole cohort.

In June, Microsoft consolidated a range of its start-up programs into Microsoft Ventures and increased its start-up funding.

Microsoft says on its blog they are looking to encourage start-ups across a range of growth stages.

“At a minimum, applying companies must have a full-time founding team, a bold vision for tackling a real problem, technologically-driven solutions and less than $1 million raised,” Microsoft says.

“Start-ups can receive direct funding from Microsoft after achieving early business success.”

The post says the focus is on start-ups that are aligned with Microsoft’s domain expertise “including enterprise software, big data, security, artificial intelligence, advertising, gaming, SaaS and cloud services”.

The Queensland Microsoft Innovation Centre was launched in May 2012.

Its first cohort program will finish in June 2014, and start-ups can enrol in other accelerators or move overseas provided they stay in contact with the program.

Microsoft has previously backed a range of start-ups, including a two-week old company launching a photography app, which received €50,000 ($69,500) in seed funding from Nokia and Microsoft’s joint investment program.

Applications close August 31.