Frequently Asked Questions

JKX  Programs

How are the JKX Accelerate, Innovate and Elevate programs different?
  • Accelerate is a structured startup accelerator program that provides seed funding, training, mentoring, access to market and other resources for early-stage startups looking to speed up the process of developing and validating their business assumptions towards a working business model that is ready for follow-on investment.
  • Innovate is a collection of open innovation challenges that provide startups and scale-ups an opportunity to solve real life business challenges and co-create solutions with established businesses, reducing both cost and time to market through mentoring, access to live test bed environments and training.
  • Elevate is for scale-ups / mature startups with a certain degree of proven business model viability with seasoned full-time founders who are looking for growth capital to scale up their business with the support of our advisory, corporate and partner networks.
We’re interested in enrolling to the JKX Accelerate program, can we also participate in JKX Innovate?
  • Yes, participants of the Accelerate track can also join the Innovate track where your team can solve the presented challenge statements. Once the applications open for JKX Innovate, you may apply. Your case for investment at DEMO Day could be made stronger if your solution to the challenge listed is compelling and satisfactory to the business.
Can teams interested in the JKX Innovate track also apply for the JKX Accelerate program?
  •  Yes, If you are interested in expediting the growth of your startup through the funding and additional support given through JKX Accelerate, you can also apply for that.

JKX Accelerate

How much seed funding can we win?
  • 5,000,000 LKR and follow on funding up to 50,000,000 LKR
How much equity will you take?
  • 10% initially
What is our Company valuation by JKH?
  • 50,000,000 LKR (5Mn for 10% initially)
What other benefits will I get other than funding?
  • Mentoring and training
  • Office Space
  • Access to JKH networks / channels
  • Access to JKH corporate services for advice and guidance
When and where?
  • We will be accepting applications for the JKX Accelerate track from 1st December 2021. The final date for applications is 30th January 2022. The pre-accelerator development window will be from 1st March till 31st May 2022, followed by the Demo Day in June in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Is the accelerator program remote or in person?
  • In consideration of the prevailing situation, we will be conducting the program with a hybrid approach, because we believe certain elements of an accelerator program can only be done effectively in person. This will be decided depending on the situation at the time, on an ongoing basis.
What happens at John Keells X Accelerate?
  • Up to 30 teams compete for Rs. 5 million in seed funding and entry to the John Keells X Accelerate program. During a 3–4-month pre-accelerator window these 30 teams will be given support to fine tune their businesses and get investor ready, leading up to DEMO day where up to 7 teams are selected and funded with Rs. 5 million each. Those teams then get office space, training and support to further validate business assumptions and demonstrate traction in the market. Those teams can then pitch for up to Rs. 50 million in follow on investment.
What happens before Demo Day?
  • Teams selected for JKX Accelerate are put through the pre-accelerator program where they are armed with the skills and given the guidance required to deliver or fine tune a Minimum Viable Business Product (MVBP) that is ready for seed funding. In June 2022, we organize an event called Demo Day at which the teams present their business plans to a carefully selected, invite-only audience and vie for investment of Rs. 5 million each (for up to 7 teams).
We don't really need the money. Does it still make sense to apply?
  • YES, it does. In fact, money is only a small part of what we do.Selected teams receive training by industry experts on the skills needed to successfully scale up an idea to a successful business. You also receive mentoring by business leaders to guide your startup to success. Teams selected for the accelerator also receive office space in Colombo during the program duration. Most importantly, you get access to the corporate and partner networks of Sri Lanka’s largest conglomerate providing you superior access to market and our customer base. It’s the whole package!
What if we're doing something expensive?
  • The goal is to build an impressive proof of concept to take to later stage investors to raise more money.
Do you only fund startups that write software?
  • No, we'll consider startups in any field building technology or tech-enabled solutions that disrupt or complement traditional business ecosystems
What types of businesses are you focusing on?
  • We are industry agnostic in terms of investing in and supporting startups. However, startups that focus on our or our partner’s industries will have an added advantage in the types of support we offer, especially in terms of access to market, domain knowledge, expertise and opportunities to commercialize solutions. We are also happy to explore opportunities that lie adjacent to our industries e.g., healthcare for insurance, last mile solutions for retail, financial technology etc.
When should I submit my application?
  • On or before 30th January 2022. Groups that submit early have a significant advantage because we have more time to read their applications.
What happens after the application deadline?
  •  Over the course of our application receiving period in December and January, we'll invite the teams/companies that seem most promising to meet us at John Keells. We decide who to shortlist after the interviews. We will begin the process soon after the Open Day in June.
When will the application form be online?
  • The application will be online from 1st December 2021.
Did John Keells X draw inspiration from anyone?
  • YES; we are thankful to GE, Y-Combinator, Citi and many other organizations for their amazing work on disruptive innovation and related programs. Our JKX Innovate track was inspired by the Open Innovation Network from Enterprise Singapore (Link to https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/.)
Do we need to provide a business plan when applying?
  • Not a prerequisite for us. We make selection decisions based on our application form and personal interviews.
I have a great idea for a startup, but I'm not technical. Will you still select me? Can you help me find technical co-founders to implement my idea?
  • We'll consider shortlisting you, but your chances are about ten times better if you have a technical cofounder. It's much better if you find one yourself through friends of friends than if we introduce you to someone. Teams thrown together for the purpose of starting a startup usually fall apart under stress. You need some kind of personal connection.
How do we choose to shortlist?
  • The people in your team are what matter most to us. We look for brains, motivation, and a sense of design. Experience is helpful but not critical. Your idea/business is important too, however most successful startups change their idea substantially.
Will you sign an NDA? How do I know you won't steal my idea?
  • No, we won't sign an NDA. Please read the terms and conditions. In this connection you may want to read the first section of How to Start a Startup on the value of mere ideas (link to http://www.paulgraham.com/start.html).
How many members per team for the program?
  • The ideal team would have two or three founders. Team size could range from 1-3 members.
Our group has two ideas. Can we submit two applications?
  • Sure. Make sure to make separate form submissions for each idea.
Will you fund multiple startups working on the same idea?
  • Yes. Even if we tried not to accept competing companies, we'd still get overlap because startups' ideas morph so much.The way we deal with it is that when two startups are working on related stuff, we don't talk to one about what the other's doing.
We've already been working on our startup for a while. Is JKX Accelerate appropriate for us?
  • YES. In fact, we like battle tested startups. However, if you think your startup has grown beyond the need of an accelerator, and growth capital funding is what you seek, our Elevate program might be for you.
We've already taken some funding. Can we still apply?
  • Yes of course!
What will be the judging criteria?
  • The capability and commitment of the founding team, the level of development of the business, the execution of the initial idea demonstrated by the founders to date, and the strength and scale of the business value proposition. The compatibility of the project to an existing or related industry of John Keells Holdings PLC, could be an advantage, but not a must.

How can I make a video?
  • Record a 1-minute video introducing the founding team and elevator pitch.

  • Upload the video to YouTube with your team/startup name in the video title.
  • Make sure to set the privacy setting of the video to public (link the previous text to this video - https://youtu.be/zDHStdBNbXM). The video is super important for us to make a good assessment of your application.
What is a minimum viable product?
  • A minimum viable product (MVP in short) is a very basic version of your product that you can offer to your customers and observe their actual behavior with it. It allows you to collect the maximum amount of validated learning about your customers with the least effort and cost.

Is an MVP, prototype, or a product/service launch a prerequisite to qualify for an investment?
  • Yes. The objective of the accelerator is to validate business assumptions and accelerate progress, not to build your MVP.

How will your partner network help us?
  • Our network of partners helps us to expand the resource pool available to our teams, by complementing the best we have with the unique resources they bring to the table. If you need to reach out to our partners, we can arrange it for you.

Will John Keells Holdings PLC look at further funding after the accelerator is over?
  • Yes. This is a possibility and should be the objective of all startups entering the accelerator, but it will be at the discretion of the Company and subject to some rigorous evaluation criteria. The seed funding at the start is just the beginning!

I am not a Sri Lankan national; can I apply?
  • Yes, but whilst we will try our best to assist, you would have to be responsible in sorting out the legalities of participating. You will need to make your own arrangements for accommodation and visa.

Are the conditions negotiable?
  • In order to keep this process fair and simple for everyone, the short answer is no. The same terms apply to all participating teams, and we won't negotiate with each team separately. The idea here is that setting out simple, clear terms at the beginning lets teams to get started building rather than spending time negotiating.

Tell us about John Keells Holdings PLC?
  • John Keells Holdings PLC is Sri Lanka's largest listed conglomerate in the Colombo Stock Exchange. From managing hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka and the Maldives to providing port, marine fuel and logistics services to IT solutions, manufacturing of food and beverages to running a chain of supermarkets, tea broking to stock broking, banking to insurance to real estate, we have made our presence felt in virtually every major sphere of the economy. Since our modest beginnings as a produce and exchange broker in the early 1870s, we have been known to constantly re-invent, re-align and reposition ourselves in exploring new avenues of growth.

JKX Innovate

What is JKX Innovate?
  • JKX Innovate is a collection of open innovation challenges which directly bridges the demand and supply components of the innovation eco-system.It provides startups and scale-ups an opportunity to solve real life business challenges and co-create solutions with established businesses, reducing both cost and time to market through mentoring, test bed environment and training
Who puts forward the challenges?
  •  The challenges are presented by companies within the John Keells Group, our corporate networks and partners.
Who can apply as solvers?
  • Startups and Scale-ups, or even an established enterprise with interest in the relevant domain.
When do applications open?

Applications for JKX Innovate open on <Opening date> and will be open till <closing date>

How many teams will be selected in this track?
  • 3 teams will be selected per challenge, and 1 team will be selected for a live POC opportunity depending on the acceptance of solutions from challenge statement owners.
What happens after the teams are selected?
  •  The teams participate in weekly design sprints and get feedback, getting down with the Build - Measure - Learn cycle! They also get access to challenge owners, mentors, data, API's and/or sandbox environment where relevant.
How is the winning team selected?
  • The teams will pitch to an industry panel of judges where one team from each challenge will be selected for a live POC. The winning team can also pitch for funding and entry in to the accelerator program of the JKX Accelerate track.
What happens after getting selected for a Proof of Concept (POC)?
  • The POC is deployed, and the teams get constant feedback. Depending on the success of the POC and feedback from challenge owners, get the chance to win a further paid pilot opportunity, funding or long-term commercial opportunities.
How is JKX Innovate different from the JKX Accelerate track?
  • JKX Accelerate is a startup accelerator program built to expedite startups to a point where they have a working business model ready for further funding. JKX Innovate is a series of open innovation challenges where startups and scale-ups work on solving real life business challenges and co-creating solutions with established businesses.
We’re interested in enrolling to the JKX Accelerate program, can we also participate in JKX Innovate?
  • Yes, the JKX Innovate track is also open for teams participating in the Accelerate track, who possess a solution in the industry the challenge is presented in. Once the applications open for JKX Innovate you may apply.
Can teams interested in the JKX Innovate track also apply for the JKX Accelerate program?
  • Yes, if startups are interested in expediting their growth through the JKX training, mentorship and seed funding while participating in the JKX Innovate challenge, they can also apply for JKX Accelerate track simultaneously.

JKX Elevate

Who can apply for Elevate?
  • Elevate is for mature startups / scale-ups with a proven business model, with seasoned founders who are looking for growth capital to scale up their business with the support of our advisory and corporate networks.
What support will you provide?
  • Our primary means of support will be through growth capital to scale your venture. You will also receive advisory services from our industry leaders, gain access to our corporate networks as well as receive training tailor made to your needs.
What is the process to apply?
  • There is no application process, simply get in touch with us by filling out the inquiry form.
Will we be put through a structured cohort based program?
  • No, since mature startups/scale-ups have their own unique needs.

Filling in the Application Form

I was directed to another site called Metabeta when I clicked on Apply Now; is this supposed to happen?
  • Yes.
What is Metabeta?
  • Metabeta is an awesome accelerator management platform that allows you to create your own company profile along with answering all our application questions. You get your own username and password so that you can sign in anytime. We will also manage all communications and accelerator activities via this platform.
Do I have to fill my application form in one go?
  • No, you can take your time with it and fill it step by step. You can return to the application form at any time. Just make sure to submit it before Applications Close.
When do applications close for JKX Accelerate?
  • 30 th of January 2022
Can the JKX team see my unsubmitted and unfinished application?
  • No, we cannot see your unfinished application and can only view your basic details such as name, email address and company name. The rest will only be visible to us once you click ‘submit’.
I submitted my application form, but I really need to change something. Can I?
  • Yes, you can. The only way to do this is to contact us on 0773716888 or email [email protected] and inform us. We can then move your application from the submitted list back to ‘draft mode’ so that you can continue to edit and then resubmit your application.
I got a message from John Keells X through Metabeta, is this really you?
  • Yes, once you create and submit your application, we will use the Metabeta platform to also communicate directly with you.
I submitted my application, but I noticed that it has been moved to ‘draft’, how did this happen?
  • If your submitted application has been moved back to ‘draft’, check your messages from us – we probably noticed that you had an error or missed to fill out a crucial part of your application and we would like you to fill that in and re-submit it.
Can other applicants see my application form at any point?
  • No.
Will JKX share my submitted application form with any third parties?
  • The only individuals who will view your application forms will be internal staff and individuals who are assigned to review your application.
Do you I have to add the video?
  • Yes, it is a mandatory field, if you submit your application without the video, we will move it back to drafts for you to add it.

Go-To Market Horizons

Who can apply?
  • You must be engaged in development of a software-based product or service that will form a core piece of your current or intended business - this software must be owned, not licensed.
  • Your Startup has not already received more than a total of $10,000 in free Azure.
  • Your headquarters must reside in the countries covered by our Azure global infrastructure.
  • Your startup has not gone through a Series D or later funding round.
  • Your startup must be privately held.
  • Your startup must be a for-profit business.
  • Your startup is not an educational institution, government entity, personal blog, dev shop, consultancy, agency, bitcoin or crypto mining company.
What support can you provide?
  • Business management workshops with sessions on topics like leadership, growth, marketing, legal, IP etc.
  • Guidance on how to enter SEA markets
  • Access to potential investors
  • One-on-one sessions depending on stage of business
  • Tech bootcamps
  • Mentorship & MS resources depending on stage of business

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JKX  Programs

How are the JKX Accelerate, Innovate and Elevate programs different?
  • Accelerate is a structured startup accelerator program that provides seed funding, training, mentoring, access to market and other resources for early-stage startups looking to speed up the process of developing and validating their business assumptions towards a working business model that is ready for follow-on investment.
  • Innovate is a collection of open innovation challenges that provide startups and scale-ups an opportunity to solve real life business challenges and co-create solutions with established businesses, reducing both cost and time to market through mentoring, access to live test bed environments and training.
  • Elevate is for scale-ups / mature startups with a certain degree of proven business model viability with seasoned full-time founders who are looking for growth capital to scale up their business with the support of our advisory, corporate and partner networks.
We’re interested in enrolling to the JKX Accelerate program, can we also participate in JKX Innovate?
  • Yes, participants of the Accelerate track can also join the Innovate track where your team can solve the presented challenge statements. Once the applications open for JKX Innovate, you may apply. Your case for investment at DEMO Day could be made st
Can teams interested in the JKX Innovate track also apply for the JKX Accelerate program?
  •  Yes, If you are interested in expediting the growth of your startup through the funding and additional support given through JKX Accelerate, you can also apply for that.
We don't really need the money. Does it still make sense to apply?
YES it does. In fact, the money is only a small part of what we do.
What if we're doing something expensive?
The goal is to build an impressive proof of concept to take to later stage investors to raise more money.
Do you only fund startups that write software?
No, we’ll consider startups in any field.
I have a great idea for a startup, but I'm not technical. Will you still select me? Can you help me find technical cofounders to implement my idea?
We’ll consider shortlisting you, but your chances are about ten times better if you find yourself a technical cofounder. It’s much better if you find one yourself through friends of friends than if we introduce you to someone. Teams thrown together for the purpose of starting a startup usually fall apart under stress. You need some kind of personal connection.
Tell us about John Keells Holdings PLC?
John Keells Holdings PLC is Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate in the Colombo Stock Exchange. From managing hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka and the Maldives to providing port, marine fuel and logistics services to IT solutions, manufacturing of food and beverages to running a chain of supermarkets, tea broking to stock broking, banking to insurance to real estate, we have made our presence felt in virtually every major sphere of the economy. Since our modest beginnings as a produce and exchange broker in the early 1870s, we have been known to constantly re-invent, re-align and reposition ourselves in exploring new avenues of growth.
Did John Keells X draw inspiration from anyone?
YES; we are thankful to GE, Y-Combinator, Citi and many other organizations for their amazing work on disruptive innovation and related programs.
Do you supply office space?
Yes, we do supply office space in Colombo for the accelerator period.

Should I apply?

When should I submit my application?
On or before the 6th of February 2019. Groups that submit early have a significant advantage because we have more time to read their applications.
What happens after the deadline?
Over the course of February, we’ll invite the individuals, groups and startups that seem most promising to meet us at John Keells. We decide who to shortlist after the interviews. We will begin the process soon after the early applicant meetup.
What types of businesses are you focusing on?
We would love to hear disruptive innovations related to the industries we are in. i.e. Consumer Foods and Retail /Financial Services / Information Technology / Leisure / Property / Transportation / Plantation Services; however, we are happy to explore opportunities that lie adjacent to our industries e.g. healthcare for insurance; last mile systems for retail, financial technology etc.
Do you only fund startups that are aligned with JKH industries?
No. We are open to startups that operate in other industries as well.
How much do you award?
We fund each winning team (up to 7) with Rs. 2,500,000, for a 6.25% equity stake.
When will the application form be online?
The application will be online from 3rd December 2018.
Do we need to write a business plan?
Not a prerequisite for us. We make selection decisions based on our application form and personal interviews.
How do we choose to shortlist?
The people in your team are what matter most to us. We look for brains, motivation, and a sense of design. Experience is helpful but not critical. Your idea is important too, but mainly as evidence that you can have good ideas. Most successful startups change their idea substantially.
Will you sign an NDA? How do I know you won't steal my idea?
No, we won’t sign an NDA. Please read the terms and conditions. In this connection you may want to read the first section of How to Start a Startup on the value of mere ideas.
How many members per team?
The ideal team would have two or three founders. Team size could range from 1-3 members.
Our group has two ideas. Can we submit two applications?
Sure. Just submit them in two application forms by different founders.
Will you fund multiple startups working on the same idea?
Yes. Even if you tried not to accept competing companies, you’d still get overlap because startups’ ideas morph so much. The way we deal with it is that when two startups are working on related stuff, we don’t talk to one about what the other’s doing.
Why didn't you accept our application?
The fact is, even the best investors are quite bad at picking winners.
How can we get funding for our startup?
Apply online and you stand a chance to win entry into the JohnKeellsX Accelerator Program. This program includes seed funding of Rs. 2.5 million for a 6.25% stake. You will also be positioned to pitch for further funding after the Challenge concludes at the discretion of the company
We've already been working on our startup for a while. Is the John Keells X - Open Innovation Challenge appropriate for us?
YES. In fact, we like battle tested startups.
We've already taken some funding. Can we still apply?
Sure

Other

What will be the judging criteria?
The outcome of the minimum viable product or prototype (based on usage data), the level of development of the Project, the execution of the initial idea demonstrated by the founders to date, the strength and scale of the business value proposition, the compatibility of the project to an existing or related industry of John Keells Holdings PLC, the capability and commitement of the founding team etc.
How can I make a video?
This is one way.
What is a minimum viable product?
In product development, the minimum viable product (MVP) is a product which has just enough features to gather validated learning about the product and its continued development.
Is an MVP, prototype, or a product/service launch a prerequisite to qualify for an award?
Yes.
Will John Keells Holdings PLC look at further funding after the challenge is over?
Yes. This is a possibility but it will be at the discretion of the Company and subject to some rigorous evaluation criteria.
I am not a Sri Lankan national, can I apply?
Yes; But whilst we will try our best to assist, you would have to be responsible in sorting out the legalities of participating. You will need to make your own arrangements for accommodation and visa.
Are the conditions negotiable?
In order to keep this process fair and simple for everyone, the short answer is no. The same terms apply to all participating teams and we won’t negotiate with each team separately. The idea here is that setting out simple, clear terms at the beginning lets teams get started building rather than spending time negotiating.

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F.A.Qs

Frequently asked questions

All about the JKX Accelerator Program

When and where?
John Keells X will be accepting applications for the 2018/19 cycle from 3 December 2018. The final date for applications is February 6th. Demo Day is in June, and the pre-accelerator development window will be from March to June 2019 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
What happens at John Keels X - Open Innovation Challenge?
Up to 30 teams compete for Rs. 2.5 million in seed funding and entry to the JohnKeellsX Accelerator program. Once accepted, you are trained and supported to deliver a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) on Demo Day. At that point, up to 7 teams are selected and funded with Rs. 2.5 million each. Those teams then get office space, training and support to test their product in the market. Those teams can then pitch for up to Rs. 50 million in further investment.
What happens before Demo Day?
In June, we organize an event called Demo Day at which the teams present their business plans to a carefully selected, invite-only audience and vie for investment of Rs. 2.5 million each (for up to 7 teams).
We don't really need the money. Does it still make sense to apply?
YES it does. In fact, the money is only a small part of what we do.
What if we're doing something expensive?
The goal is to build an impressive proof of concept to take to later stage investors to raise more money.
Do you only fund startups that write software?
No, we’ll consider startups in any field.
I have a great idea for a startup, but I'm not technical. Will you still select me? Can you help me find technical cofounders to implement my idea?
We’ll consider shortlisting you, but your chances are about ten times better if you find yourself a technical cofounder. It’s much better if you find one yourself through friends of friends than if we introduce you to someone. Teams thrown together for the purpose of starting a startup usually fall apart under stress. You need some kind of personal connection.
Tell us about John Keells Holdings PLC?
John Keells Holdings PLC is Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate in the Colombo Stock Exchange. From managing hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka and the Maldives to providing port, marine fuel and logistics services to IT solutions, manufacturing of food and beverages to running a chain of supermarkets, tea broking to stock broking, banking to insurance to real estate, we have made our presence felt in virtually every major sphere of the economy. Since our modest beginnings as a produce and exchange broker in the early 1870s, we have been known to constantly re-invent, re-align and reposition ourselves in exploring new avenues of growth.
Did John Keells X draw inspiration from anyone?
YES; we are thankful to GE, Y-Combinator, Citi and many other organizations for their amazing work on disruptive innovation and related programs.
Do you supply office space?
Yes, we do supply office space in Colombo for the accelerator period.

Should I apply?

When should I submit my application?
On or before the 6th of February 2019. Groups that submit early have a significant advantage because we have more time to read their applications.
What happens after the deadline?
Over the course of February, we’ll invite the individuals, groups and startups that seem most promising to meet us at John Keells. We decide who to shortlist after the interviews. We will begin the process soon after the early applicant meetup.
What types of businesses are you focusing on?
We would love to hear disruptive innovations related to the industries we are in. i.e. Consumer Foods and Retail /Financial Services / Information Technology / Leisure / Property / Transportation / Plantation Services; however, we are happy to explore opportunities that lie adjacent to our industries e.g. healthcare for insurance; last mile systems for retail, financial technology etc.
Do you only fund startups that are aligned with JKH industries?
No. We are open to startups that operate in other industries as well.
How much do you award?
We fund each winning team (up to 7) with Rs. 2,500,000, for a 6.25% equity stake.
When will the application form be online?
The application will be online from 3rd December 2018.
Do we need to write a business plan?
Not a prerequisite for us. We make selection decisions based on our application form and personal interviews.
How do we choose to shortlist?
The people in your team are what matter most to us. We look for brains, motivation, and a sense of design. Experience is helpful but not critical. Your idea is important too, but mainly as evidence that you can have good ideas. Most successful startups change their idea substantially.
Will you sign an NDA? How do I know you won't steal my idea?
No, we won’t sign an NDA. Please read the terms and conditions. In this connection you may want to read the first section of How to Start a Startup on the value of mere ideas.
How many members per team?
The ideal team would have two or three founders. Team size could range from 1-3 members.
Our group has two ideas. Can we submit two applications?
Sure. Just submit them in two application forms by different founders.
Will you fund multiple startups working on the same idea?
Yes. Even if you tried not to accept competing companies, you’d still get overlap because startups’ ideas morph so much. The way we deal with it is that when two startups are working on related stuff, we don’t talk to one about what the other’s doing.
Why didn't you accept our application?
The fact is, even the best investors are quite bad at picking winners.
How can we get funding for our startup?
Apply online and you stand a chance to win entry into the JohnKeellsX Accelerator Program. This program includes seed funding of Rs. 2.5 million for a 6.25% stake. You will also be positioned to pitch for further funding after the Challenge concludes at the discretion of the company
We've already been working on our startup for a while. Is the John Keells X - Open Innovation Challenge appropriate for us?
YES. In fact, we like battle tested startups.
We've already taken some funding. Can we still apply?
Sure

Other

What will be the judging criteria?
The outcome of the minimum viable product or prototype (based on usage data), the level of development of the Project, the execution of the initial idea demonstrated by the founders to date, the strength and scale of the business value proposition, the compatibility of the project to an existing or related industry of John Keells Holdings PLC, the capability and commitement of the founding team etc.
How can I make a video?
This is one way.
What is a minimum viable product?
In product development, the minimum viable product (MVP) is a product which has just enough features to gather validated learning about the product and its continued development.
Is an MVP, prototype, or a product/service launch a prerequisite to qualify for an award?
Yes.
Will John Keells Holdings PLC look at further funding after the challenge is over?
Yes. This is a possibility but it will be at the discretion of the Company and subject to some rigorous evaluation criteria.
I am not a Sri Lankan national, can I apply?
Yes; But whilst we will try our best to assist, you would have to be responsible in sorting out the legalities of participating. You will need to make your own arrangements for accommodation and visa.
Are the conditions negotiable?
In order to keep this process fair and simple for everyone, the short answer is no. The same terms apply to all participating teams and we won’t negotiate with each team separately. The idea here is that setting out simple, clear terms at the beginning lets teams get started building rather than spending time negotiating.