Microsoft

The Seattle-based software company has opened a Brazilian technology center in Rio which will incubate 15 different Brazilian-native start-ups over 24 months. Rio’s investment promotion firm, Rio Negócios, is helping oversee the incubator's launch and development.

Apart from access to tech, marketing, and financial support, the start-ups will receive guidance from angel investors, along with connections to possible partners and investors.

"Our hope is to foster the exchange of knowledge amongst research teams, universities, start-ups, and the Brazilian market, supporting the City of Rio’s transformation into in a great technological hub," Microsoft of Brazil General Manager Michel Levy said in a statement.

Qualcomm

Telecommunications Company Qualcomm announced earlier this year it would launch a start-up incubator called Qualcomm Labs. Keeping up to it, Qualcomm announced on November 8 that it had selected its first class of start-ups which are software developer Arynga, malware detector FatSkunk, and mobile app developer Breadcrumbs.

The companies will get 24 months in one of Qualcomm’s two incubator sites, along with guidance and mentorship from Qualcomm employees and investment advisors. Breadcrumbs was awarded $50,000 in funding while FatSkunk and Arynga were given $250,000.

"Qualcomm Labs' roots in technology innovation combined with our continuous commitment to move the wireless industry forward, puts us in a unique position to support entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into businesses," Qualcomm Labs Vice President Liz Gasser said in a statement.