Stanford Seed Spark program is now available to entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka through a new partnership between TiE Colombo and Stanford Seed, providing early-stage founders with world-class mentorship, business training and global networking opportunities to help scale their ventures.
Stanford Seed Spark program opens global growth pathway for Sri Lankan startups
The initiative, delivered by Stanford Seed, part of the Stanford Graduate School of Business, is aimed at founders leading early-stage companies that have already gained market traction and are preparing for their next phase of growth. Through the collaboration with TiE Colombo, the program seeks to equip Sri Lankan startups with the strategic capabilities needed to compete in international markets.
The five-month virtual program combines live sessions led by experienced industry experts with practical business frameworks and proven growth strategies developed through Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Participants will gain access to tools designed to strengthen business fundamentals, refine long-term strategy and improve decision-making as they prepare to scale their companies.
A key feature of the Stanford Seed Spark program is its personalised mentorship model. Every participating founder will be matched with a one-on-one mentor drawn from Stanford Seed’s global network of experienced entrepreneurs, business executives and industry leaders. These mentors will provide tailored guidance on the unique opportunities and challenges facing each venture, helping founders navigate critical stages of business growth.
Beyond formal learning, the program also offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to become part of a regional community of founders. Participants will collaborate with peers from across the region, creating professional relationships and business networks that extend beyond the duration of the course.
The program concludes with a competitive pitch event where founders present their businesses before a distinguished audience of angel investors and industry leaders. The competition offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to validate their business strategies, increase visibility and potentially attract investment while refining their investor presentations.
For Sri Lankan startups, the partnership represents an opportunity to access internationally recognised entrepreneurship education without leaving the country. As startups increasingly seek regional and global expansion, exposure to globally tested business methodologies and experienced mentors can help founders strengthen their competitiveness and prepare for international markets.
TiE Colombo’s collaboration with Stanford Seed also reflects the growing emphasis on developing Sri Lanka’s innovation and startup ecosystem. By connecting local entrepreneurs with one of the world’s leading business schools, the initiative aims to support founders in building scalable businesses capable of attracting global customers, partners and investors.
Applications for the Stanford Seed Spark program are now open. Selection will be conducted on a rolling basis, with places available on a limited basis. Entrepreneurs interested in participating are encouraged to submit their applications early.
The deadline for applications is 25 July 2026. Successful applicants will gain access to Stanford Seed’s internationally recognised curriculum, expert mentoring network and practical business development resources designed to accelerate entrepreneurial growth.
As Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its startup ecosystem, initiatives such as this partnership between TiE Colombo and Stanford Seed provide founders with greater access to global knowledge, strategic guidance and international business networks. By helping entrepreneurs develop stronger leadership capabilities and scalable business models, the program aims to support the next generation of globally competitive Sri Lankan companies.