Orange is launching Orange Fab, an accelerator program for start-ups, based in San Francisco. Orange says the program is open to “all US-based start-ups that want to change the way people connect and communicate”. The program is managed by Orange Silicon Valley, Orange’s development centre in San Francisco, California.

Orange says its aim with the initiative is to help start-ups grow their businesses and develop amazing products and services that benefit Orange and its customers. Between four and six start-ups will be selected to be part of the program, which will will start in May 2013.

Start-ups joining the program will have access to mentoring sessions from notable Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, world-class engineers and experienced designers. They will also be paired-up with, and advised by, Orange executives located in Silicon Valley, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The start-ups will be able to relocate to the offices of Orange Silicon Valley or use their meeting rooms. All start-ups that are selected for the program will be offered $20,000 in funding. In addition, two demo days will be organized; one taking place in Paris in June, the second in Silicon Valley in July.

To join Orange Fab, start-ups must present an existing product, be in advanced beta phase, or have already launched. Preferably, they have not yet raised a series-A round of investment from VCs. Start-ups are invited to apply here. The deadline for applications is 7 April 2013. 

“With Orange Fab, we join together with the next wave of Silicon Valley innovators to reimagine the future of communications,” said Georges Nahon, CEO of Orange Silicon Valley and president of Orange Institute. “We are optimistic that opening up our world-class innovation centre in San Francisco, and providing start-ups privileged access to decision-makers on the front lines of our business operations, will be a win-win for all participants.”