Proto.in: Nominations Open!

Proto.in, India's premier platform for startups is happening in Bangalore on January 23-24, 2009. Founded with the mantra of 'Create, Collaborate, Contribute', proto aims to give India's army of entrepreneurs a platform to share their vision and to showcase a working prototype, for the world to see.

From their site: "Proto.in is the startup event that happens in India, inviting entrepreneurs from within and around the subcontinent to participate, share, discuss and draw strength from the growing entrepreneurial demand and knowledge base that is created, in an effort to create world-class product leaders from the region. Proto is about celebrating entrepreneurship, and encouraging it where it matters the most - at the startup level!

1. To Showcase Innovative technology products borne out of India

2. To Encourage, grow and create entrepreneurial awareness

3. To create a community of startup entrepreneurs, who can grow in strength and numbers, drawing wisdom from each other.

4. To act as a bridge between well-established companies, veteran entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, analysts, journalists, professionals and grass-root entrepreneurs."

Here is how it works: A Judging panel shortlists the companies from the submitted nominations. The companies who make it to the finals, have to sell the idea/concept in a three minute presentation to the audience and may get an opportunity to raise funds from the venture capitals and angel investors present at the event.

More over, there will be presentations and workshops held by distinguished Veterans, successful entrepreneurs and Industry stalwarts who will also share their feedbacks, and interact with the companies. All in all, it is definitely a good arena for the startups to showcase their produts, get some valuable feedbacks as well as visibility and branding for the company.

One interesting concept which they are introducitng at the Bangalore event is the PitchCamp, where startups are mentored how to pitch their idea, keeping in mind the strategic objective behind the pitching.

I would love to participate in Proto.in. There is so much to learn from these energectic and enthusiastic personalities and entrepreneurs that participate.

The nominations for the Jan'09 edition of Proto is open now. The last date for submitting the nominations is Dec 15, 2008.

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