Salesforce, recognized as the world’s leading AI CRM, has announced the forthcoming launch of the Salesforce Startup Program in Sri Lanka. This initiative aims to nurture growth and innovation within the country’s dynamic startup ecosystem. Scheduled to commence by the end of January 2026, the program will offer Sri Lankan startups access to Salesforce’s extensive ecosystem, which includes AI-driven products, mentorship opportunities, joint go-to-market strategies, and a community designed to support their development, growth, and scaling efforts.
The introduction of this program underscores Salesforce’s acknowledgment of Sri Lanka’s swiftly evolving startup environment and its burgeoning potential for high-growth, innovation-driven enterprises. As the second most robust startup ecosystem in South Asia, following India, Sri Lanka is experiencing a consistent rise in founder-led innovations, predominantly in the software and data sectors, which now represent nearly 60% of the country’s startup landscape. With global interest in Sri Lankan innovation on the rise, the Salesforce Startup Program aims to help founders transform initial momentum into sustainable growth by connecting them with international platforms and markets.
Since its inception in India in December 2021, the Salesforce Startup Program has shown significant impact across various markets. Currently, it supports a community of over 435 startups across India and Singapore, including more than 230 AI-centric startups, with notable success stories from companies such as CloudFiles, Xoxoday, Yellow.ai, Locobuzz, and Trupeer.ai.
Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO of Salesforce – South Asia, stated, “Sri Lanka has established a strong foundation of technical talent and entrepreneurial ambition that is gaining recognition across South Asia and globally. Through the Salesforce Startup Program, we are committed to playing a catalytic role in Sri Lanka’s innovation journey, assisting startups in advancing from early success to global significance, and fostering companies that can compete with confidence while generating long-term economic impact.”
Sri Lanka continues to be a crucial growth market for Salesforce, with an expanding customer base driving digital transformation across various industries, including leading enterprises such as John Keells Holdings and Cinnamon Hotels. In addition to customer momentum, Salesforce is investing in the nation’s long-term digital talent pipeline via its Trailhead ecosystem. In collaboration with local workforce development partners, these initiatives aim to skill nearly 1,000 learners over the coming year through structured training, mentorship, and locally led cohorts.
