Creative Software, a pioneer and leader in Sri Lanka’s tech industry, is now on a mission to discover Sri Lanka’s most promising tech entrepreneurs and help them turn their ideas into successful businesses.
The company recently launched Idea Lab, the tech start-up incubation programme which will give selected entrepreneurs access to seed funding, facilities, mentorship and marketing support.
Creative Software Director and Serial Entrepreneur Sushena Ranatunga said that Idea Lab will strive to be “as inclusive as possible”, allowing Sri Lankan tech start-ups of “all shapes and sizes” to apply.
“Be it just an idea or a working product, if their [the applicants’] solution solves their market’s problem or answers their market’s need, we want to hear from them,” said Sushena.
The programme will accept applications all year round. Creative Software’s expert panel will consider all applications based on the start-ups’ business plan, technology stack and marketing strategy.
Candidates will be evaluated in three stages, beginning with the application they submit via IdeaLab.CreativeSoftware.com. At the second stage, the shortlisted candidates will be invited for a pitch and interview with Creative Software’s expert panel. Winners will receive a tailored collaboration proposal from Creative Software, completing the final round of the evaluation.
Idea Lab is Creative Software’s latest initiative to support local entrepreneurship. According to Sushena, the future of Sri Lanka’s Tech industry lies in nurturing its own intellectual property.
“There is a lot of overlooked talent among our people, just waiting for the right opportunity to develop,” said Sushena. “That is why we started Idea Lab; We want to give our people a stage to shine.”