Startup DC to Introduce 'Reboot America,' a New Program to Connect Big Business and Emerging Startups, on June 29

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With the goals of creating local jobs, improving the D.C. regional economy, and increasing innovation in America, Startup DC, the regional Startup America effort, will host an event to introduce a new program called Reboot America on Friday (June 29) at 6 p.m.

Reboot America, created by Startup DC in partnership with the national Startup America Partnership, is a year-long program connecting large corporations and emerging startup companies across key regional industries for the purposes of collaboration and partnership. Corporations in strong verticals like education, defense, biotech, media and politics will learn about the D.C. entrepreneurship community and how they can work together.  And the startups will learn about the challenges of big businesses, potentially becoming their partners in new projects and business ventures.

Reboot America's engagement will happen online through digital platforms and offline during a series of events culminating in a national conference on November 8-9 during the Digital Capital Week festival.

Reboot America, sponsored by Verizon and Microsoft, will also give startups novel opportunities to network with each other and discuss innovative solutions to further the growth of businesses in America.  Specific areas of focus during Reboot America will be:

• Democracy (media, advocacy, and politics).
• National Challenges (education, healthcare, energy, and America's place in the global economy).
• Government and Security (federal, state and local government, national security, homeland security, and cyber security).

Microsoft will be the official technology platform sponsor of Reboot America, and Mark Drapeau of the company's Office of Civic Innovation in Washington will co-chair the National Challenges effort. As part of this sponsorship, Microsoft and Startup America will also partner to launch a digital think tank for young civic innovators in order to connect the Reboot America community.

"Startup DC's new Reboot America initiative aligns directly with Microsoft's commitment to provide emerging startup companies the tools and technologies they need to tackle societal challenges and drive the growth of the DC and national economies," said Dan Kasun, Senior Director of Platform Evangelism at Microsoft Public Sector. "Empowering entrepreneurs of all kinds is vital for economic growth, and we are proud to be a sponsor and partner in this new initiative."

Mark Adam, director of small business marketing for Verizon, said, "In this ever-changing technologically connected world, Verizon has always supported small businesses with the solutions they need to thrive and grow their business.  We are excited to be a part of this movement to encourage and help entrepreneurs."

About StartupDC

Startup DC focuses on integrating the various facets of the regional startup economy, across jurisdictions and industries, and reaching out to established businesses, policymakers, and universities to implement specific programs to support startups and the broader economy. A key emphasis for Startup DC is aligning entrepreneurial activity with the existing strengths of the region in areas such as media, advocacy, hospitality, financial services, international development, energy efficiency, and government.  Through Startup DC, regional startups can also leverage the Startup America Partnership's national network to gain access to business resources throughout the state and country, enabling them to scale more quickly and create more jobs across the region. For more information, please visit: http://dc.s.co/

SOURCE Startup DC