Viacom18 conferred graduation certificates to five start-ups who were a part of the VStEP. It is a start-up engagement programme that creates an opportunity for start-ups to pilot technology-based solutions to business problems. The five start-ups that were a part of the first class of VStEP are TESSACT, Karza Technologies, Entropik Technologies, Firmway and vPhrase.
Working in close collaboration with business units across the Viacom18 network, the VStEP start-ups have developed solutions that are relevant to both media and non-media companies. The first class of VStEP has been on board in partnership with Zone Startups India, a global brand of technology accelerators and early stage venture funds, operated by Toronto-based Ryerson Futures.
Achint Setia, Senior Vice-President, Viacom18 Digital Ventures and Head, VStEP, said, “Engaging with start-ups through VStEP has been an enriching experience as the initiative has brought solutions that add business value while at the same time drives a culture of innovation internally as well. Over the last six months, our teams have worked closely with the start-ups on the POCs, perfecting them into solutions that are adoption ready.”
Furthering Viacom18’s commitment in fostering a culture of innovation and engaging with start-ups, the company recently entered a strategic partnership with Anthill Ventures for an accelerator programme called Anthill Studio that will scout for start-ups building products for M&E industry using technologies such as AI /ML, AR/ VR, IoT, Big Data, Blockchain and others. The areas of focus include filmed entertainment, TV, gaming and digital media industries.
