Currently, the Orange Fab accelerator has collaborations with 36 start-ups with which over 90 projects have been implemented. Thus, 14 start-ups provided products and services that were integrated into the company’s internal processes and 17 startups offered the solutions developed to Orange customers, as part of the Orange Business Services partner network. Moreover, the company has integrated technological solutions developed by four startups into new products, subsequently launched on the market.
“Five years after the start of Orange Fab, we are proud of concrete results in working with Orange Fab startups, as well as with the constant support of the local ecosystem. As a corporate acceleration program, Orange Fab’s goal is to do business development with selected start-ups and add the necessary mentoring and support for them to maximize common results. We have learned over time how to work as well as possible with startups and, consequently, what is the most appropriate profile, so that the collaboration is a win-win for both parties. We continue to encourage the growth of new start-ups through partnerships with educational programs and local communities, evaluate hundreds of projects annually, and look forward to seeing a steady stream of courageous entrepreneurs building products with global ambitions. Through Orange Fab, we are here to support them and help them turn their ideas into solid businesses,” said Monica Obogeanu, Start-up Programs Manager, Orange Romania.
Through Orange Fab, local startups receive access to the latest technologies and numerous development opportunities in innovation, research and networking to further validate and optimize both their business plan and products, according to Orange representatives.
Developed at national level, the Orange Fab program targeted to significantly contribute to the development of a local innovation ecosystem that would help the growth and maturation of as many startups as possible.
“In the last five years, Orange has invested over EUR630,000 in the tech communities in Bucharest, Brasov, Cluj-Napoca, Constanța, Iasi, Oradea, Piatra-Neamt, Sibiu and Timișoara, by supporting pre-accelerators, various educational programs and dedicated coworking spaces.
To facilitate international expansion, the program offers the opportunity for startups to present their solutions in other markets through the international Orange Fab network and, some of them, in the Demo Day sessions organized annually, but also to participate in global conferences such as Viva Technology, Europe’s largest technology event.
Since 2017, Orange Fab has constantly expanded its fields of activity to respond more effectively to customers’ business needs, targeting directions such as 5G and future networks, IoT and connected objects, smart city, and mobility, fintech, smart retail, media and entertainment, health, people and the future of jobs, digital education. Currently, most startups in the program are engrossed in the IoT and connected objects, followed by those that provide security solutions and those that develop the 5G segment and networks of the future.