The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Germany in collaboration with Enpact, Germany, Information and Communication Technology of Sri Lanka (ICTA) and Hatch hosted a series of events at the Embassy Day of the Asia Berlin Summit 2021, in Berlin, Germany under the theme ‘Sri Lanka towards a start up friendly nation’.
AsiaBerlin, powered by the Berlin Senate Department, forms the collective platform that brings together communities within the startup ecosystems across Asia and Berlin. The ‘Asia Berlin Summit’ is the flagship event of Asia Berlin that is held annually with year-long AsiaBerlin activities where policymakers, startups, and investors meet to discuss the newest tech trends and cross-border collaboration between Asia and Berlin.
The three segments of Sri Lanka’s programme included the Digital soft-landing Competition for Sri Lanka Startups entry to Germany, the Digital Nomad Ambassador Program-NOMAD4LK and Social Entrepreneurship Conclave.
Having identified the importance of promoting Digital Nomads who contribute to the economy of a country through technology transfer and expertise and to the tourism industry, the Digital Nomad Ambassador Program – #NOMAD4LK, was initiated in the form of a competition. The applications were evaluated by a veteran panel of judges to select the winner- the‘Digital Nomad Ambassador’.
During the Embassy Day, Matt de Caussin was announced as the Digital Nomad Ambassador and was awarded with a fully-fledged package including the return air ticket sponsored by Sri Lankan Airlines, co-working spaces, uninterrupted connectivity and accommodation for 12 weeks in a number of prime tourist destinations, sponsored by the Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and visa for the entire stay in Sri Lanka under the new category of entrepreneurship visa launched in Sri Lanka, sponsored by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
During his stay in Sri Lanka, the Digital Nomad Ambassador is expected to work with the Sri Lankan start-ups and publicise his experience in Sri Lanka among the other potential digital nomads and start up groups.
Managing Director of Enpact, Germany Jan Lechenmayer said that Enpact remains ready to work in collaboration with Sri Lanka to bring tangible benefits for the emerging startup communities in Berlin and Germany and the Embassy Day programme was an all-inclusive approach to highlight the significance of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Germany Manori Unambuwe lauded the collaboration between the ICTA and Enpact based on the MoU signed in April 2021 to foster a strong bridge between Berlin, the startup capital of Europe. She further stressed on the need for continued cooperation, to support Sri Lankan startups to enter German market and enable German investors to explore Sri Lanka’s potential in the tech industry.
ICTA Chairman Oshada Senanayake said that Sri Lanka has great potential and an innovative startup culture and that the soft-landing competition was an ideal opportunity for the Sri Lankan startups to launch to Germany.
The Social Entrepreneurship Conclave, moderated by AsiaBerlin Ambassador Aravinth Panch showcased the social innovation contribution of Sri Lanka and the potential of such innovation being relevant globally with proven case studies from the Dreamspace Academy, Green Energy Champion, ICTA AgTech Innovation and Good Life X.
The hybrid event was attended by around 60 participants and was commended for its success and content.
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