Since its inception in 2016, the John Keells X programme has been helping startups obtain funding, training and the right connections to scale and grow into successful companies. Now returning for its latest edition, the programme has evolved with three distinct tracks – Accelerate, Elevate, and Innovate. Applications are open for all entrepreneurs to join on its official website. If you’re curious to learn more about what it has to offer, then the upcoming JKX Virtual Open Day on the 18th of January is where you’ll want to be.
Over the years, the JKX programme has connected several startups with funding, training and connections within the John Keells X networks. In its latest iteration, the programme has opened its doors to a new batch of startups. Applications for the accelerator programme “JKX Accelerate” opened on the 1st of December 2021.
At the upcoming JKX Accelerate Open Day, you’ll get an in-depth look at the startup accelerator programme. In the JKX Accelerate track, the most promising startups will be accepted into the pre-accelerator stage to be investor-ready. After the demo day, up to 7 winning startups will receive a seed investment of 5 million rupees each and then get accepted into the formal JKX accelerator, where they get further support to scale with training, mentoring, office space, access to market and follow-on funding opportunities up to 50 million rupees.
The Open Day will also feature a fireside chat with the Chairman of the ICTA, Oshada Senanayake, Chairman of John Keells Group, Krishan Balendra, Group CIO of John Keells Group, Ramesh Shanmuganathan and Director of Developer Relations at Microsoft – APAC, Annie Mathew. It will be moderated by Head of John Keells X, Wishanth Wijesinha.
During this conversation, the panelists will be sharing their experiences, touching on the importance of supporting and nurturing early-stage startups and the role of established tech companies and enablers. Also in attendance will be our strategic partners and trainers, along with the alumni of the JKX programme who’ll share their experiences on how it has helped them with market access, refining their products, gaining strategic insights from the leadership of John Keells Holdings, opening doors to corporate partnerships, and more.
Of course, this is only scratching the surface. This year’s edition of the JKX programme also features two more tracks that startups can benefit from – JKX Innovate and JKX Elevate, both of which will also be touched upon at the event. The John Keells X Accelerate Open Day will be taking place on the 18th of January from 5.30 PM onwards and is open to all entrepreneurs. Registrations are open, and you can sign up by clicking here. For more information about the John Keells X programme, check out its official website here.