Software giant Microsoft has launched a multi-million dollar programme to give new high-tech start-ups a leg up, in the form of free software, marketing and mentorship.

Under its BizSpark initiative launched on Thursday, Microsoft will offer start-ups software worth over US$50,000 (S$76,431) every year. Start-ups that leave the programme will have to pay it US$100.

Microsoft, together with its partners which include government agencies like the Media Development Authority of Singapore and Spring Singapore, as well as investors like venture capital firm Azione Capital and the Business Angel Network of South-east Asia, are hoping to sign up 150 start-ups.

So far, 12 start-ups are in.