Microsoft sparks fledgling developer interest with BizSpark

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 06 November 2008 09:50

IT Industry - Development

"Startup companies are our potential business leaders of tomorrow generating job opportunities and contributing to Australia's economic growth. La Trobe and Microsoft have a successful history of working together nurturing startups and helping put them on the road to success," said Professor Jugdutt (Jack) Singh, director and research professor, Centre for Technology Infusion, La Trobe University.

"The BizSpark program is very welcomed by us as it will continue providing startups, researchers and students with the support and promotion they need to bring their ideas to life."

To participate in BizSpark, companies must be privately owned startups that have been in business for less than three years and have less than $US1 million in revenue. (That seems a pretty generous definition to me.)

The only cost is a $US100 fee payable at the time the company leaves the program.

"With the BizSpark program, Aerion Technologies is able to obtain all the required products to create quality innovative applications. This enables a start up business like ours to grow with leaps and bounds in today's technologically savvy world," said Andrew Romeo, chief operating officer, Aerion Technologies.

Aerion is an interactive entertainment company formed earlier this year and based at La Trobe University's Research and Development Park, which is located in the north of the Melbourne metropolitan area.

"The BizSpark program is helping us flourish and create new jobs in this industry as well as to make a significant impact and contribution to the innovation industry," added Romeo.