Nasscom Launches Initiative for Developers to Drive Innovation

Under the 'Leaders Building for the Next Billion Program', Nasscom will invite developers and students through an application process.

Of these, 10 developers will be selected who will be provided with technical, marketing, financial support and leadership skills to build their applications and businesses, Nasscom said in a statement.

Social networking giant Facebook is the first partner for the initiative. "Facebook will fund the creation of this track at Nasscom 10,000 Startups and welcomes partnerships with other technology leaders to strengthen and expand the programme.

"The participants will also qualify for $80,000 (roughly Rs. 52,00,000) worth of support through our FBStart programme and additional ad credits to build their business," Facebook said.

Nasscom added: "They will further be connected to industry leaders like CEOs, thought leaders, VCs, ecosystem evangelists, social change leaders, funders and the media to bring public attention to their commitment, solutions and impact such that they inspire many other developers to build innovative solutions for new-to-internet users."

India has one of the world's largest Internet userbase with a majority of new users coming online through their mobile devices.