IBM has launched its global initiative for start-ups to help them capture emerging business opportunities in fast-growing industries like energy and utilities, health care, telecommunications and government.

Under the program, IBM would provide access to its research community as well as sales, marketing and technical skills.

Under the new initiative, start-ups for the first time can access IBM’s software portfolio through a cloud computing environment, including IBM industry frameworks to accelerate software development; work with scientists and technology experts from IBM Research to develop new technologies.

The program will also enable start—ups take advantage of dedicated IBM project managers to assist in product development, attend new IBM SmartCamp mentoring and networking workshops with VC firms, government leaders, academics and industry experts at the global network of 40 IBM Innovation centers to build business and go—to—mark

As part of this program, IBM is collaborating with 19 global industry and technology associations to identify and connect local start—ups to the initiative throughout 2010.