MUMBAI: Microsoft Accelerator and Tata Consultancy Service’s Co-Innovation Network will create an open innovation framework to mentor Indian startups and bring their products to the market.The partnership will provide startups the access Microsoft and TCS ’ networks and customer relationships. It will also connect them to investors and academia.“This partnership will offer participating startups access to the expertise and client-base of both TCS and Microsoft and will create exciting new opportunities to innovate and transform the business landscape,” Nagaraj Ijari, Global Head – Hi-Tech Industry Solutions Unit, TCS, said.Unlike rivals like Infosys and Wipro, TCS has not created a venture fund to invest in startups. It uses its Co-Innovation Network, COIN, to work with startups. The network is part of TCS’ innovation labs and involves tie-ups with venture capital firms and university research labs.In the US, TCS COIN program has alliances with venture firms such as Andreessen Horowitz, New Enterprise Associates and Norwest Venture Partners.