June 15, 2022 - The Croatian Agency for Small Business, Innovation, and Investment (HAMAG-BICRO) organized an online event to announce the winners of the Indo-Croatian Startup Challenge, a competition for Croatian and Indian startup companies supported by Infobip, KONČAR, and HexGn.
More than 300 applications were received, among which the 13 best innovative solutions were selected. HAMAG-BICRO organized the competition to upgrade the initiative to connect with the Indian market and launch the India-Croatia Startup Bridge, a digital platform designed to strengthen the international cooperation and innovation environment and trade and economic cooperation between Croatia and India. The competition was organized in cooperation with Startup India, with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of India in Croatia.
His Excellency Raj Kumar Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Croatia, praised the organization of the entire competition and said: "It is encouraging to see the successful completion of the first activity within six months of the startup bridge between India and Croatia. At the time of the startup bridge, I said it would allow Croatian startups to take advantage of the 3S speed, scale, and sensitivity that define the Indian ecosystem and strengthen cooperation within 3T; talent, technology, and trade between our two countries.
They also have great potential for building an Indo-Croatian innovation partnership for global solutions and the global good. Looking at the process and results of the first startup challenge in the last 50 days, I think our expectations have been exceeded. Congratulations to the winners because they literally won 1st place in the competition of as many as 100 entries on average."
In the introductory part, the gathered participants from Croatia and India were greeted by Deepak Bagla, Director of Invest India, who praised the initiative and expressed satisfaction with the great response of participants who exceeded all expectations.
On behalf of HAMAG-BICRO, the organizer of the event, Mate Kovač, Director of the Sector for Support and Development of Entrepreneurship, Coordination, and International Cooperation, said: “I remember the first visit of His Excellency HAMAG-BICRO when we talked about connecting the Indian and Croatian market, and I must express my satisfaction that we managed to realize the agreed cooperation in such a short time. As a key government agency for small and medium enterprises, we have made efforts to implement this project because we see significant opportunities for Croatian startups in a market as large as India. Croatia can also be an entry point for Indian startups for the wider EU market."
On behalf of the companies that supported the competition, Lucija Reić from Infobip, the first Croatian unicorn, and Jappreet Sethi, CEO of Hexgn, addressed the participants. Iva Milašinčić, Head of the Entrepreneurship Development and Support Service, moderated the event.
As part of the Indo-Croatian startup challenge, startups from Croatia and India were invited to deliver innovative solutions in three challenges: Clean Water and Better Quality of Life, Reduced Inequality and Decent Work, and Economic Growth. Infobip awarded the first three best startup solutions in the form of Infobip products and services worth $10,000. KONČAR provided the best startup solution to the challenge of Decent Work and Economic Growth with a cash prize of HRK10,000.00 gross ($1,694), while Hexgn provided a free scale-up program worth $2,000 to each of the 12 successful participants. The total value of the prize pool is estimated at $43,000.00.
Best innovative solutions in the Indo-Croatian startup challenge:
Ciree Edutech Llp
Mindful Gurukul Private Limited
E2o.Green
Drona Automations Private Limited
Anuartstore
Talking Online Learning Solution Private Limited
Ame Artists Network Private Limited
Shevolve Innovations Private Limited
Vas Bros. Enterprises Private Limited
Thales Cleantech (Opc) Private Limited
Arms 4 Ai Private Limited
Reehdus Biotech
Country Clay
CiREE is an online EduTech platform for skills acquisition, training, retraining, and employment. Mindful Gurukul is a solution that combines the organization of hours of independent learning with modern technology and machine learning. E2O.GREEN is an intelligent consumer solution powered by AI, AR, EO, and IoT to enable golf course and urban green space management companies to manage assets, operations, and terrains effectively.
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