Bengaluru, Sep 12 (IANS): Data storage and management company NetApp on Wednesday announced the names of six start-ups for its "NetApp Excellerator" programme, which is designed to help new enterprises achieve their full potential through mentorship with one of its largest R&D teams.

The third batch of start-ups include CloudOptimo, FirstHive, InstaSafe, Praktice.ai, Uber Diagnostics and ZScore Technologies -- were selected based on their product capability, in-depth technology, performance in the boot camp and alignment with the programme objectives.

"We find that there is a bigger need for startup mentoring, especially on the technical side, which NetApp is uniquely positioned to offer," Ajeya Motaganahalli, Senior Director, Engineering Programmes and Leader, NetApp Excellerator Programme, said in a statement.

Each of these start-ups would now receive access to collaboration and productivity tools, co-working space out of the NetApp's global centre of excellence in Bengaluru along with networking opportunities with potential investors, partners and customers.

NetApp would also provide an equity free grant of $15,000 to these start-ups upon completion of the programme.

"A strong focus on go-to-market efforts with our sales team makes the startups market-ready and helps improve their financial viability," said Deepak Visweswaraiah, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, NetApp India.

From the last two cohorts of the programme, 12 start-ups have graduated and this cohort has seen an increased interest in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and the Cloud.