Sponsorship subscription expiration

Question

Dear Microsoft for Startups Support Team,

I hope this message finds you well.

My name is Vasilii Baev, and I am the founder of Rockids Reading Simulator — app for kids with early detection of dyslexia risk. Our solution analyzes eye movement patterns (saccades) captured via camera as a child reads with the simulator. There is a strong evidence base indicating that dyslexic have different strategy for visual text sampling.​

To comply with medical device regulations, we are required to collect training data under clinical supervision, recording eye movements of 3-year-old children in the presence of medical professionals. This process became more time-consuming than anticipated and leading to delays.​

As a result, although we were granted $150,000 in Azure credits through the Founders Hub program (thanks, really appriciate), we have utilized only $17,000 to date. We intentionally conserved the remaining credits to support the future training and deployment of our AI model. However, these credits are approaching their expiration.​

We kindly request an extension of our Azure credits for an additional 6-8 months. This extension would allow us to complete the necessary data collection and leverage Azure's infrastructure to train and deploy our AI model.​

We believe our project aligns with Microsoft, particularly in the realm of education and healthcare.​

Thank you for considering our request.

Answer 1

Hi VASILII BAEV,

Thank you for sharing the details of your project. Rockids Reading Simulator is a very thoughtful and innovative idea. Using eye movement analysis to help detect dyslexia early in children is both smart and meaningful. It’s great to see technology being used in such a helpful way to support child development.

To address your situation regarding the expiration of Azure credits and the verification issues you’re encountering:

For startups enrolled in the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, Azure credits generally expire one year after activation. Typically, extending these credits requires moving up a level within the program. However, since you are already at Level 4—the highest tier—this option may not be applicable. It’s also important to note that startups at the $150K level do not receive an extension on their credits.

Please go through the following docs,

• Azure Benefits
• Azure Credits and Billing FAQs

You may contact the Founders Hub support team to request an extension. Explain the importance of your project. To keep your program benefits, we recommend submit a support request through the Founders Hub.

Please reach out to us if you have any other queries.

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