Бизнес-инкубатор Plug&Play открылся в Дагестане
A business incubator based on one of the largest networks in the world, Plug & Play, has begun work in Makhachkala on the grounds of the Dagestan State Technical University, reported the correspondent of the Interfax-South agency, who was present at the opening ceremony.
The premises of the University is entirely modernized for the needs of the modern incubator, zones for start-ups, a large hall for seminars, workshops and conferences, meeting room, and a relaxation room have all been established. There will be a total of 19 regular work places and it is designed with the scope of an extension up to 30. The capacity of the main hall holds up to 80 people. The incubator is equipped with high-speed Internet access from Summa Telecom, a powerful projector for presentations, Apple computers and other necessary equipment. The total area of the working space amounts to 600 sq meters. Young companies will have access not only to the premises of the incubator but also the high-speed Internet and advanced equipment, (including a 3D-printer), as well as to the expertise of Plug & Play professionals.
"The Plug & Play business incubator is engaged in the development of young entrepreneurship in the technology sector, providing access to current knowledge in the field of IT and increasing the opportunities for the success of start-ups from Dagestan. We help find professional mentors, obtain working space for the realization of ideas and render support in identifying potential investors," reports Michael Blank, Head of the Plug & Play Dagestan business incubator, during the ceremony. According to Blank, Plug & Play Dagestan represents the largest Plug & Play seed accelerator in the Republic, whose informal network includes more than 300 technology start-ups, 180 investors and an assemblage of leading universities and corporations. "As part of the preparations for the launch of Plug & Play Dagestan, a special Working Group – composed of representatives of Plug & Play USA and Summa – was organised to collect applications from August 9 to September 10. Both the projects at the prototype stage (or already operated) and at the concept stage were considered. The number and quality of applications has allowed us to assess the overall quality of the projects and the best way to tailor the educational program for future residents of the business incubator in accordance with their actual needs," he stressed. As part of the educational program in the Republic, the invitation of specialists on entrepreneurship, programming and design is planned in order to improve the quality of development projects.
The selected Dagestani start-ups will become residents of Plug & Play Dagestan and thus will receive board and work places, participate in educational webinars, receive advice from mentors on building business models and conduct of business. For those young entrepreneurs interested in businesses,
a special education program is held that enables them to competently to build core business processes. In addition, Plug & Play helps start-ups to attract investment for development. Project selection is held every six months in the incubator. Within these 6 months, businesses are entitled to free access throughout the office, participate in conferences and meetings with investors, develop and test their products. In the future, the incubator plans to invest in the best projects, and send the best on internships to the Silicon Valley.
"It is very important that energy is invested in the development of Dagestanis in the Republic and not just money, as is envisaged by some, money alone will not do anything, we need more good brains, modern technology-technical orientation. We are privileged to have Ziyavudin Magomedov in this context. He has become the initiator in the opening of the business incubator here, in fact, we can thank him for its formation. Talented Dagestanis will develop world-class products in this incubator. (. . .) The establishment of this centre is not so much to do with business, not so much technology, it is a challenge that we should enjoy and, with this, we should embrace modern culture – the modern culture of business and other areas of development, "said the head of Dagestan Ramazan Abdulatipov at the opening ceremony.
In turn, the Minister of Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation Nikolai Nikiforov said, that the main assessment of any business incubator is the key performance indicator about whether companies are successful or not. "If we think that the site has only just opened, its current most distinguishing feature is the presence of the Plug & Play brand, we must not get carried away with the power of the brand and its trendy name but the fact that this, actually, provides us with the thread that will connect Dagestan with the entire world, including the Silicon Valley. (. . .) The results of launching the business incubator will start to be seen in 2-3 years time, but our task is to invest part of our time, bring in colleagues, partners, friends and host events in order to ensure these 2-3 years are a success," said Nikiforov. "Taking into account the certain historical foundation, i.e. intellectual, industrial etc., Dagestan has great prospects. The Republic has always significantly differed in its capacity from other republics of the North Caucasus, by the fact that it has always been the bearer of great intellectual capital. I think we can revive this and, of course, the government of the Republic has to work together to achieve this, and shall do so.
From the point of view of the success of this project, it depends on education, and we have such a concept, that within 3-6 months in conjunction with the largest global billing platform, to make a project that will allow students, who may only be solely based in Dagestan, to receive free education. From the business perspective, we have a wealth of active people, and if we get 1-2 projects a year, it will be fruitful," said the founder of Plug & Play Dagestan, Ziyavudin Magomedov.