IBM Sofia Accelerator offers a 12-week customized program to help Bulgarian startups accelerate their business with IBM AI and Cloud technology and develop new solutions for the enterprise market.

The program aims to provide startups in Bulgaria with industry and emerging technologies knowledge, helping them to expand business opportunities, enhance their solutions with AI or Cloud technology, secure investor support and expand their go-to-market strategy in the enterprise sector.

The program's objective is to furnish startups with industry knowledge and emerging technologies, enabling them to broaden business prospects and attract investor support. Upon program completion, each participating company will have the chance to showcase their work at an Investor Demo Day, which will be attended by angel investors, venture capitalists, IBM executives, media representatives, and prominent figures in the industry. Additionally, after graduation, IBM will make efforts, where feasible, to promote these solutions and support the companies in expanding their international sales on a global scale.

Up to 10 selected startups will work hand-in-hand with the IBM and external experts to build their solutions on IBM watsonx, IBM's new AI and data platform for business.

Startups will gain access to technical and business skills training, IBM technology and receive guidance from industry experts. Mentorship will be provided by IBM technical and industry SMEs and external mentors (successful entrepreneurs, business partners and investors).

The program requisite is that participants find value and are open to integrate their solution with IBM services or products, such as IBM watsonx and IBM Cloud. Program aims to provide startups with industry and emerging technologies knowledge, helping them to expand business opportunities, and secure investor support.

At the program conclusion, each company will have an opportunity to present at an open Demo Day to investors, venture capitalists, IBM executives, and industry leaders. Upon graduation, where possible IBM will seek to market the solutions and assist companies with international scale.

Program participants will receive at zero cost and no equity commitment:

• Exposure to IBM Ventures, $500M Enterprise AI Venture Fund and IBM SPEED
• Access to IBM Partner Plus, Call for Code for Startups & IBM client's ecosystem
• Watsonx + IBM Cloud credits - $18,000 for AI integration or DEMO build-up
• Tailored technical and business mentorship program to best fit the startups needs
• Access to IBM Resources – IBM Build Lab, technical, sales and BizOps expertise
• Access to IBM Business Partners and Collaborators knowledge and support – coaching and mentorship by successful startup founders, experts from IBM Business partners, Venture Capital funds and Industry experts.
• Opportunity to present to IBM Executives, Business Partners, Potential Clients and Venture Capital Funds on the “DEMO Day”.

Post-graduates opportunities:

• Selected startups will receive additional consulting co-creation experience for their AI embedded solution with IBM Client Engineering Experts
• 50% reimbursement (up to $100k) of any committed investment for consulting, licenses or cloud costs for watsonx enablement
• Opportunity for investment from IBM SPEED program

IBM orchestrates two 3-month programs annually, one spanning from April to June, and the other from October to December.

Throughout the program, startups are organized into 2-4 groups, each led by group partners offering guidance through one-on-one and group office hours. These groups are further divided into sections, ensuring an intimate setting within the larger batch.

Key benefits for participants:

• Access to Tech Experts
• Access to IBM Cloud credits
• Access to IBM watsonx tech
• Industry Knowledge
• Mentorship
• Access to Investors and Clients

The program targets companies that have already received funding in the post-Seed and Round A stages, with the ultimate goal of establishing enduring technology and business partnerships with IBM on a global scale.

We are looking for startups focusing on Fintech, AI, Data, Cybersecurity, Quantum computing, Sustainability, Customer experience and Digital health (focus is preferred but not required).

As an independent software vendor (ISV) or managed service provider (MSP), you can partner with IBM to elevate your solutions with IBM hybrid cloud and AI technology.

Expand into new markets by making the most of IBM’s global reach, network of large enterprises and established go-to-market tools and strategies that can help amplify your sales.