Microsoft and Accenture Labs Announce New Programme for Social Enterprises in the Middle East

Microsoft Research India has announced a collaboration with research and development company, Accenture Labs, as part of new efforts to support social enterprises in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

Using their tech expertise, both companies will offer a wide range of services to startups, including proof-of-concept validation and design thinking sessions, while also offering use of the latest Microsoft tech.

“Startups in the social impact and sustainability space are among the world’s most inspiring organisations,” President of Global Sales, Marketing and Operations at Microsoft, Jean-Phillipe Courtois, said. “Microsoft’s collaboration with Accenture offers us an opportunity to empower these start-ups so they can use technology to make an even greater impact in addressing many of the world’s most pressing challenge.”

The programme will be undertaken by both company’s CSR arms - Microsoft’s Global Social Entrepreneurship programme and Accenture’s Tech4Good programme - and will for startups in high-impact sectors such as agriculture, education and healthcare. How the programme will be rolled-out has yet to be confirmed.