Bengaluru, Apr 28 (IANS): Cloud data services company NetApp on Tuesday announced the six startups selected for the sixth cohort of its flagship startup accelerator programme.

Aikaan Labs, Cyborgintell, IQLECT, Koinearth, Kubesafe, and Myelin Foundry are the six technology focused business to business (B2B) startups selected under the NetApp Excellerator programme for developing innovative solutions using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The selected startups are employing AI in various ways, some of which are: Internet of Things (IoT) at the edge, predictive analysis, Blockchain technology, and Cloud-native application protection using Kubernetes.

The startups offer solutions across spotlight sectors such as healthcare, BFSI, retail, IT, and e-commerce, NetApp said.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the startups were selected over online sessions and the introduction meetings were also held virtually.

In the next four months, the Cohort-6 startups stand to gain learning experiences from business and technology mentoring sessions and access to NetApp cloud-oriented data technologies.

"Mentorship sessions and industry connects, too, will be held remotely for the duration of the crisis. We continue our focus on giving the startups best-in-class training, access to venture capitalists and a real opportunity to make a difference in their businesses," Madhurima Agarwal, leader, NetApp Excellerator, said in a statement.

In addition, the startups will be given networking opportunities with potential investors, partners, and customers.

NetApp said it will sponsor a paid proof-of-concept model or offer an equity-free grant of $15,000 to the graduating start-ups.

The NetApp Excellerator program has already mentored 29 B2B tech startups through five cohorts in the last three years, resulting in successful exits and investments for its alumni.