Microsoft Innovation Center


Microsoft Innovation Centers are local government organizations, universities, industry organizations, or software or hardware vendors who partner with Microsoft with a common goal to foster the growth of local software economies. These are state of the art technology facilities which are open to students, developers, IT professionals, entrepreneurs, startups and academic researchers. While each Center tunes its programs to local needs, they all provide similar content and services designed to accelerate technology advances and stimulate local software economies through skills and professional training, industry partnerships and innovation. As of 10 September 2010, there are 115 Microsoft Innovation Centers worldwide, most of which are open to the public. Recently it was reported that Microsoft had proposed to build about 100 innovation centers in India, and several in China. Some innovation centers have also started to develop in Pakistan.

Overview

Microsoft Innovation Centers are offering a comprehensive set of programs and services to foster innovation and grow sustainable local software economies. While each Center tunes its programs to local needs, they all provide similar content and services designed to accelerate technology advances and stimulate local software economies through skills and professional training, industry partnerships and innovation. Primary areas of focus include: