StartupSL - Online platform for Startups and Freelancers in Sri Lanka
22 May 2020
Startup Sri Lanka is an initiative by the then Ministry of Digital Infrastructure and Information Technology, which is currently being operated as the Digital Infrastructure and Information Technology Division of the Ministry of Defence, together with Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) and the volunteers of the startup community. Mission of this initiative is to transform Sri Lanka through technology and entrepreneurship.
As a part of this initiative, a platform (https://startupsl.lk/) has been developed by the startup community in voluntary basis to register the startups and freelancers. This platform is the single largest online platform for startups and freelancers in Sri Lanka, connecting them to thousands of other startups as well as other key stakeholders such as investors, mentors and incubators. A steering committee has been set up including members from DIIT division, ICTA, startup community and some other government institutions. This committee is working together to support the tech community and accelerate the growth of Sri Lankan startups and freelancers.
The main focus of this initiative is to get the big picture right for Sri Lankan startups and freelancers – improving the regulatory environment, building a case for the right sort of government support for a fast-growing sector and increasing public awareness of the impact of tech startups and freelancers across the country. It is believed that the strong homegrown startups and freelance community is vital to the future growth of Sri Lankan jobs and wealth.
The government is currently in the process of formulating strategies to revive industries that are impacted by the prevailing situation. The Digital Infrastructure and Information Technology Division of the Ministry of Defence, along with the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) seek the patronage of the startup community of Sri Lanka in order to assist the government to overcome this crisis. Our aim is to collectively lobby on behalf of the technology startups in the country. The team is now in the process of accelerating phase I, which aims at creating the directory of startups.
Therefore, all technology startups in Sri Lanka are invited to register with us at www.startupsl.lk portal. It is simple and will take only 5 minutes for you to do so. Registered startups will be given priority when considering for the proposed benefits extended by the government.
Additional benefits:
1. Visibility for your startup and product and services offered to investors and other stakeholders who can support your growth.
2. To share and mutually benefit as the startup community in this difficult situation.
3. To find solutions as a community for projected economic downtime
4. USD 1,000 free credit offered by Amazon Web Services * (conditions apply)
Benefit to the country:
1. This is the only portal with all start-ups registered by level of maturity, industry vertical serving etc., enabling information for decision-makers.
2. Streamlining support and focused attention to startups according to their respective domain.