Innovation of new IT companies is the focal point of Wednesday's 8th Microsoft's Vision Conference in FYRMacedonia, which began in Skopje with an Innovation Forum.

Microsoft representatives at the two-day conference are presenting the BizSpark program intended to support new IT companies that are active on the market for at least three years. With it, entrepreneurs who start up an IT business in a period of three years are able to use Microsoft's system platform products and development tools free of charge.

"Microsoft directly contributes to improving opportunities for innovation and support of new companies and fresh ideas in this industry", said Ilijanco Gagovski - director of Microsoft Macedonia.

About 20 companies have already shown interest for the program. It is being conducted through the National Center for Development of Innovation and Entrepreneurial Learning, as a network partner at local level formed from the USAID Competitiveness Project.

Opening the Innovation Forum, US Ambassador Philip Reeker highlighted the importance of innovations and utilization of new technologies by small businesses enabling economic development and opening of new jobs.

"I hope that with US support for the Innovation Center in Macedonia and its partnership through BizSpark program we will help Macedonian firms to introduce fresh ideas on the market", said Reeker.

Microsoft's Vision is the biggest technological conference held in FYRMacedonia bringing together IT experts, programmers and managers, where visitors have the chance to attend lectures, find out the latest products and strategies by Microsoft and exchange experience. ba/fd/14:19