Proto, the technology roadshow that is scheduled for 20-21 Jan at Chennai is now less than three week away and is gradually picking up momentum on its home stretch. The event now has a new website and I think its design is quite distinctive and sets the tone for the event in a very refreshing way.
If you are wondering what kind of companies have made the final cut and will get to demo their products, you will have to wait for the D-day. 
The event’s organisers are in the process of announcing the shortlisted companies but that information will be not be made public. Only the organisers themselves and the shortlisted company would know; lesser mortals will have to live with the suspense.
So how good are these startups/products actually? Can they rival Silicon Valley startups? Can Proto come up with products that are comparable to (or better than) what gets displayed at Demo itself? I have been asked this question by a couple of people; I have also read a blog post that raises this question. Well, the sad but honest answer to that question is – NO. Its unlikely that what you are going to see there can compete with Demo. The two technology ecosystems are in completely different stages of their evolution and any direct comparisions, would probably be an academic exercise.
At the same time, you are likely to come across some promising technologies and products from companies that are striving to create something innovative in a technological landscape that is dominated by services oriented outsourcing companies. The final list of 30 will include companies from internet based services, Web2.0, Mobile, Digital Commerce, consumer hardware and Telecom. Registrations for attendees are currently open, so if you want to be amongst the people witnessing this firsthand, head here.
Tried to comment at the proto.in blog, but I get an error… so, here goes…
As an attendee, I need one of the following to whet my appetite for a conference
* A history of at least a few years of interesting presenters OR
* An exact knowledge of what I will get if I attend.
So… my appetite stays unwhetted…
Even though I have my doubts, I do hope their gamble succeeds in generating curiosity and attendance – we do need a well-known launchpad for Indian startups.
Amit, I for one hope you have spoken too soon.
Who knows what will come up at pronto?
What I would like to be see are innovations which can be leverages across the developing world. Whether it be in delivering mobile content, microfinace or Web 2.0.
Innovation is always not about cutting edge technology. Simplicity can achive much more than what we give it credit for. Fingers crossed.
Yes the answer is No for this Year 2007. But lets wait for 2009. Who know one of us would make it to the top 10 web2.0 companies ever.
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Amit says it well. There is no comparison. That said, the differentiation in thinking has started. Which means that some of the companies that will be showcased, will be hard to believe that they are actually “Indian Products” – partly because India doesn’t have too much of a list of products to begin with in the IT segment. It’s definitely the beginning of something impressive.
Amit, nice to see there is a unbiased opinion, however I do feel that we should encourage rather than discourage this kind of event. I am not aware of the types of companies coming, and maybe they won’t be cutting edge, but I hope there is 1…just one which blows us all away…after all that is all that is needed.
I’m bored of travel website, which just compare, dating sites, which just match, classified sites which just list.
I think Vijay sums it up well…but I would add one word “hopefully” ..its the beginning of something impressive.
I can’t see any downside….as long as the momentum stays up and running afterwards and keeps growing…I guess thats down to us.
Iqbal
I was debating whether or not to attend (from Kolkata) but here’s my problem. It’s just not organized enough and it’s jut too suspenseful (I say this sarastically) to want to actually spend the money and go.
Not knowing who will be there, exactly where it will be held, what the two-day agenda is, and no real travel accomodations, it feels as if most of the attendees will be local. That might still draw a crowd but not as diverse as one with people from all over the country.
I’m sure that things will change in the future and I can only appreciate what Vijay and the other organizers have thus far (and I wouldn’t mind helping too) but we need to keep things open.
What’s wrong with mentioning all the teams? I would rather know about them, do some due diligence and be excited about hearing about the companies, their products/services when I’m there rather than be completely blindfolded!
A rough calculation of how much it costs for non-local guests to the conference is the following:
Plane ticket: INR 7000
Hotel (comfortable + VAT): INR 3000 x 2 = INR 6000
Incidentals (Getting around on road, food, etc) : INR 1000
Total: INR 14000
That may seem nominal or a bundle but either way, the question is: Is the money worth it? I could be the guinea pig but I choose not to be. I apologize for the crassness.
I am sure Amit being an organiser would know more about the profile of startups participating in Proto…But I hope there should be few winners…..There is no dearth of ideas is India..the problem is execution and marketing of the idea….
Another important factor which might hinder some good ideas being showcased, is the reach of proto to non IT community….So we can hope that quality of startups participating to get better every subsequent year….
the Big Question. is anybody getting funding there?
the 2nd Big Question. how many companies there are non Internet Consumer compnies?
Rajiv,
Hopefully by now, both those questions would have found answers.
Vijay
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