‘Youth, Startups and the Bangladesh of Possibilities’ Special Event to Be Held on 14 July

Dhaka, 12 July 2026:

With the vision of transforming young people’s innovative ideas into viable enterprises, creating technology-driven employment opportunities, fostering research and innovation, and building a knowledge-based economy, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division will organize a special event titled “Youth, Startups and the Bangladesh of Possibilities” on 14 July 2026 at the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, University of Dhaka.

The ICT Division has been consistently working to develop a strong, inclusive, and sustainable startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Bangladesh. From the initial idea stage to entrepreneurial development, training, mentoring, grants, financing, investment linkages, and business expansion, the Division has been implementing integrated initiatives to provide comprehensive support throughout an entrepreneur’s entire journey.

This special event aims to further strengthen these ongoing efforts by showcasing government support initiatives in an integrated manner and fostering meaningful connections among young people, students, researchers, innovators, women entrepreneurs, investors, and industry stakeholders. The event will present the complete startup journey—from idea generation and prototype development to entrepreneurial growth, investment, scaling up, and access to global markets.

One of the key highlights of the event will be the inauguration of the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform, which will serve as a national digital launchpad for entrepreneurs.

Through this platform, entrepreneurs will be able to access information and services related to government support programmes, application processes, training, mentoring, investment opportunities, partner organizations, and other relevant services from a single digital platform. This initiative will strengthen coordination among entrepreneurship development programmes, simplify access to services, and contribute to building an effective national startup ecosystem.

Empowering the innovative potential of youth and women entrepreneurs through entrepreneurship development has become a national priority. Reflecting this commitment, the Election Manifesto 2026 of the current Government of Bangladesh places special emphasis on startup and entrepreneurship development.

To support promising entrepreneurs, a BDT 500 crore Startup Fund has already been established, which is expected to play a significant role in financing and accelerating innovative ventures.

“Youth, Startups and the Bangladesh of Possibilities” is more than just an event; it is a national initiative that brings together Bangladesh’s innovation potential, entrepreneur-friendly government support, investment opportunities, and the country’s commitment to entrepreneurship development on a single platform.

The ICT Division has called upon the country’s youth to come forward with the courage to innovate. According to the Division, today’s innovative idea has the potential to become tomorrow’s globally recognized Bangladeshi enterprise. The Division has also encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage the Government of Bangladesh’s integrated National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform to transform their ideas into successful ventures.

‘তারুণ্য, স্টার্টআপ ও সম্ভাবনার বাংলাদেশ’ শীর্ষক বিশেষ আয়োজন ১৪ জুলাই

ঢাকা, ১২ জুলাই ২০২৬:

তরুণদের উদ্ভাবনী চিন্তাকে বাস্তব উদ্যোগে রূপ দেওয়া, প্রযুক্তিনির্ভর কর্মসংস্থান সৃষ্টি, গবেষণা ও উদ্ভাবনকে উৎসাহিত করা এবং জ্ঞানভিত্তিক অর্থনীতি গড়ে তোলার লক্ষ্যে তথ্য ও যোগাযোগ প্রযুক্তি বিভাগ আগামী ১৪ জুলাই ২০২৬ ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের নবাব নওয়াব আলী চৌধুরী সিনেট ভবনে আয়োজন করতে যাচ্ছে ‘তারুণ্য, স্টার্টআপ ও সম্ভাবনার বাংলাদেশ’ শীর্ষক বিশেষ অনুষ্ঠান।

তথ্য ও যোগাযোগ প্রযুক্তি বিভাগ দেশে একটি শক্তিশালী, অন্তর্ভুক্তিমূলক ও টেকসই স্টার্টআপ এবং উদ্যোক্তা ইকোসিস্টেম গড়ে তুলতে ধারাবাহিকভাবে কাজ করে যাচ্ছে। প্রাথমিক আইডিয়া থেকে শুরু করে উদ্যোক্তা উন্নয়ন, প্রশিক্ষণ, মেন্টরিং, অনুদান, অর্থায়ন, বিনিয়োগ সংযোগ এবং ব্যবসা সম্প্রসারণ—একজন উদ্যোক্তার পুরো যাত্রাপথে প্রয়োজনীয় সহায়তা নিশ্চিত করার লক্ষ্যে বিভাগটি সমন্বিত বিভিন্ন কর্মসূচি বাস্তবায়ন করছে।

এই ধারাবাহিক উদ্যোগকে আরও গতিশীল করা, সরকারি সহায়তা কার্যক্রমকে একীভূতভাবে উপস্থাপন করা এবং দেশের তরুণ, শিক্ষার্থী, গবেষক, উদ্ভাবক, নারী উদ্যোক্তা, বিনিয়োগকারী ও শিল্পখাতের অংশীজনদের মধ্যে কার্যকর সংযোগ স্থাপনের উদ্দেশ্যে এ বিশেষ আয়োজন করা হয়েছে। অনুষ্ঠানে একটি স্টার্টআপের সম্পূর্ণ যাত্রাপথ—আইডিয়া থেকে প্রোটোটাইপ, উদ্যোক্তা উন্নয়ন, বিনিয়োগ, স্কেল-আপ এবং বৈশ্বিক বাজারে প্রবেশের সুযোগ—সমন্বিতভাবে তুলে ধরা হবে।

অনুষ্ঠানের অন্যতম আকর্ষণ হিসেবে উদ্বোধন করা হবে ‘জাতীয় স্টার্টআপ ও উদ্যোক্তা প্ল্যাটফর্ম’। এটি উদ্যোক্তাদের জন্য একটি জাতীয় ডিজিটাল লঞ্চপ্যাড হিসেবে কাজ করবে।

এই প্ল্যাটফর্মের মাধ্যমে উদ্যোক্তারা সরকারি সহায়তা কর্মসূচি, আবেদন প্রক্রিয়া, প্রশিক্ষণ, মেন্টরিং, বিনিয়োগের সুযোগ, অংশীদার প্রতিষ্ঠান এবং সংশ্লিষ্ট বিভিন্ন সেবা সম্পর্কে একটি একক ডিজিটাল প্ল্যাটফর্ম থেকেই তথ্য ও সেবা গ্রহণ করতে পারবেন। এর ফলে উদ্যোক্তা উন্নয়ন কার্যক্রমে সমন্বয় বৃদ্ধি পাবে, সেবাপ্রাপ্তি সহজ হবে এবং একটি কার্যকর জাতীয় স্টার্টআপ ইকোসিস্টেম গড়ে উঠবে।

নতুন প্রজন্মের উদ্যোক্তা উন্নয়নের মাধ্যমে তরুণ ও নারীর উদ্ভাবনী শক্তিকে অর্থনৈতিক অগ্রগতির মূলধারায় যুক্ত করা এখন জাতীয় অগ্রাধিকার। এ লক্ষ্য বাস্তবায়নে বর্তমান বাংলাদেশ সরকারের নির্বাচনী ইশতেহার ২০২৬-এ স্টার্টআপ ও উদ্যোক্তা উন্নয়নকে বিশেষ গুরুত্ব দেওয়া হয়েছে।

ইতোমধ্যে সম্ভাবনাময় উদ্যোক্তাদের জন্য ৫০০ কোটি টাকার স্টার্টআপ ফান্ড গঠন করা হয়েছে, যা উদ্ভাবনী উদ্যোগের অর্থায়ন ও বিকাশে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভূমিকা রাখবে।

‘তারুণ্য, স্টার্টআপ ও সম্ভাবনার বাংলাদেশ’ শুধু একটি অনুষ্ঠান নয়; এটি দেশের উদ্ভাবনী সম্ভাবনা, উদ্যোক্তাবান্ধব সরকারি সহায়তা, বিনিয়োগের সুযোগ এবং উদ্যোক্তা উন্নয়নের জাতীয় অঙ্গীকারকে একই মঞ্চে তুলে ধরার একটি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ উদ্যোগ।

তথ্য ও যোগাযোগ প্রযুক্তি বিভাগ দেশের তরুণদের উদ্ভাবনের সাহস নিয়ে এগিয়ে আসার আহ্বান জানিয়েছে। বিভাগের মতে, আজকের একটি উদ্ভাবনী আইডিয়াই আগামী দিনের বিশ্বমানের বাংলাদেশি প্রতিষ্ঠানের ভিত্তি হতে পারে। পাশাপাশি উদ্যোক্তাদের তাদের আইডিয়া ও উদ্যোগকে সফলতার পথে এগিয়ে নিতে বাংলাদেশ সরকারের সমন্বিত ‘জাতীয় স্টার্টআপ ও উদ্যোক্তা প্ল্যাটফর্ম’ ব্যবহার করার আহ্বান জানানো হয়েছে।

Driving Bangladesh’s Sustainable Finance and Innovation Agenda

Startup Bangladesh Limited proudly partnered in organizing the Sustainable Finance Summit 2026, a landmark event bringing together policymakers, investors, development partners, and ecosystem leaders to chart the future of sustainable finance in Bangladesh. The Summit provided a strategic platform to explore innovative financing tools, blended finance solutions, and investment-ready opportunities across sectors crucial for inclusive growth.

Our Managing Director, Nurul Hai, contributed as a panel speaker in the session titled “From Pilots to Portfolios: Mainstreaming Impact Investing and Blended Finance in Bangladesh”. During the discussion, he shared deep insights on venture investing, scaling startup ecosystems, and the role of innovation-driven enterprises in driving sustainable economic development. He highlighted Bangladesh’s unique potential to become a regional hub for impact investing, fueled by a young entrepreneurial population, increasing digital adoption, and a rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem.

Through this partnership, Startup Bangladesh Limited is actively mobilizing capital for high-impact ventures through blended finance and impact investment channels. The organization is curating a sustainable finance pipeline that connects investable projects with financial institutions, development partners, and impact investors. By amplifying national and public engagement, the Summit was positioned as a flagship initiative promoting awareness, dialogue, and actionable strategies for sustainable finance. Additionally, insights from the Summit feed into government programs like the Access to Green Financing Programme, enabling effective project selection, co-financing opportunities, and coordinated ecosystem-level impact.

This initiative reinforces Startup Bangladesh Limited’s commitment to building a resilient, innovation-driven economy by strengthening the nexus between capital, policy, and impact-focused entrepreneurship. The organization continues to support founders, enterprises, and the broader ecosystem in creating measurable social and economic change across Bangladesh.

 

Media:

1.The Daily Star
https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/news/sustainable-financing-hit-tk-8375cr-q4-2025-4176031

2.Daily sun

https://www.daily-sun.com/business/874710/experts-stress-sustainable-financing-for-climate-resilience-development-initiatives

3. Daily sun
https://www.daily-sun.com/diplomacy/874846/switzerland-stresses-innovative-financing-for-sustainable-growth

4.The Business Standard (With photo)

https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/corporates/sustainable-finance-key-climate-resilience-speakers-sustainable-finance-summit

5.The Business Standard (Another) (With photo)
https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/switzerland-wants-promote-innovative-financing-entrepreneurship-swiss-ambassador-1439496

6 UNB ((With photo)

https://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/switzerland-wants-to-promote-innovative-financing-entrepreneurship-swiss-ambassador/185944

7.deshkalnews (With photo)

https://www.deshkalnews.com/international-relations/29232

8.The Financial Express (With photo)
https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/economy/bangladesh/sustainable-finance-summit-2026-held-in-dhaka

9 Bangladesh Pratidin (With photo)
https://en.bd-pratidin.com/economy/2026/05/14/62699

10..rtvonline (With photo)
https://rtvonline.com/english/bangladesh/274354

11. justenergynews24.com (With photo)
https://justenergynews24.com/bangladesh-pushes-blended-finance-at-dhaka-sustainability-summit/

12. BSS (With photo)
https://www.bssnews.net/news/387123

13 dainik amader shomoy (With photo)
https://www.dainikamadershomoy.com/details/019e26dd503a

14.Inqilab With photo)

https://dailyinqilab.com/national/news/894810

15.rising bd (With photo)

https://www.risingbd.com/amp/news/649767

16.dhakamail (With photo)
https://dhakamail.com/economy/304374

17.BSS (With photo)
https://www.bssnews.net/bangla/news/307523

18. Manab Zamin (Print version_15 May ’26)

https://www.mzamin.com/print

SBL Portfolio Night 2026

Startup Bangladesh Limited Hosts SBL Portfolio Night 2026, Bringing Founders, Investors, and Ecosystem Leaders Together.

Dhaka, January 15, 2026

Startup Bangladesh Limited (SBL) hosted SBL Portfolio Night 2026, its first ecosystem gathering of the year, on Thursday evening at Garlic ’n Ginger, Gulshan, Dhaka. The event brought together startup founders from across the SBL portfolio alongside investors, development partners, and key ecosystem stakeholders for an evening of networking and meaningful engagement.

The program was graced by Shish Haider Chowdhury, ndc, ICT Secretary and Chairman of Startup Bangladesh Limited as the Chief Guest, alongside Nurul Hai, Managing Director & CEO of Startup Bangladesh Limited. Both delivered short opening remarks, highlighting the importance of collaboration, trust, and continuous dialogue in strengthening Bangladesh’s innovation-driven startup ecosystem.

Following the brief addresses, the evening transitioned into an open and informal networking dinner. Founders, investors, and ecosystem partners engaged in deep, one-on-one and small-group discussions, exchanging insights on growth journeys, investment readiness, partnerships, and the broader direction of the ecosystem. The absence of formal sessions allowed conversations to flow naturally, encouraging genuine connections across the community.

Participants included representatives from venture capital firms, angel networks, financial institutions, and development partners, including global organizations such as the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, and JICA, alongside a diverse group of SBL portfolio startups spanning fintech, healthtech, edtech, logistics, commerce, and deep technology.

Members of the Startup Bangladesh Limited team actively engaged with founders and partners throughout the night, reinforcing SBL’s role as a long-term partner to entrepreneurs, beyond capital deployment.

SBL Portfolio Night 2026 reaffirmed Startup Bangladesh Limited’s commitment to building a strong, connected startup community by creating spaces where founders, investors, and institutions can engage openly, build trust, and collaborate toward shared goals for sustainable growth and innovation in Bangladesh.

iFarmer’s Folon: Empowering Farmers, Fueling Smart Agriculture in Bangladesh

Agriculture remains the heart of Bangladesh’s economy. Yet smallholder farmers continue to face familiar barriers — limited access to finance, poor market linkages, and climate-driven uncertainty.

iFarmer, one of Startup Bangladesh Limited’s proud portfolio startups, has been tackling these challenges with a blend of fintech, data, and human-centered design. Now, with the launch of its new Folon app, the company is bringing the full power of its ecosystem straight into the hands of farmers.

The iFarmer Journey

Founded in Dhaka, iFarmer began by connecting urban and institutional investors with rural farmers, enabling shared prosperity. Over time, it evolved into a full-stack agri-tech platform offering:

  • Financing access: Collateral-free, cycle-based funding for crops and livestock.
  • Quality inputs: Verified seeds, fertilizers, and feed sourced directly from manufacturers.
  • Advisory & training: Data-driven, field-level guidance to improve productivity.
  • Market access: Transparent produce-buying channels that eliminate middlemen.

Today, iFarmer supports 230,000 + farmers, has facilitated BDT 2.45 billion + in financing, and enabled sales of 299,000 tons + of produce nationwide.

Its global recognition includes selection in Visa Accelerator 2024, inclusion in Forbes Asia’s 100 to Watch, and a USD 500,000 investment from Pioneer Facility — marking the facility’s first ever venture in Bangladesh’s agri-tech sector.

The Folon App: A Farmer’s Digital Companion

Launched in November 2024 in Jashore, Folon is designed as an all-in-one, farmer-first app that simplifies the agricultural journey.

Key Features

  • 🌿 Expert Advice: Chat directly with agricultural specialists.
  • 🌤️ Weather Alerts: Timely warnings and forecasts for planting and irrigation.
  • 🤝 Community Platform: Connect, share, and learn from fellow farmers.
  • 🧠 Disease & Pest Insights: Identify problems and access instant remedies.
  • 💸 Finance & Market Access: Apply for funding and sell produce directly through iFarmer’s ecosystem.

The app’s interface supports Bangla language, intuitive icons, and offline learning modules — ensuring accessibility for farmers with varying literacy levels.

Beyond an App: Building a Data-Driven Future

Folon is a strategic shift from mediated service delivery toward a direct-to-farmer model.
This transition unlocks:

  1. Real-time data loops → Better credit scoring, advisory personalization, and risk management.
  2. Lower service costs → Digital delivery reduces dependency on field agents.
  3. Community learning effects → Peer-to-peer exchange drives faster adoption of best practices.
  4. Climate resilience → Weather and disease tools help farmers anticipate and mitigate losses.

Strategic Impact

Focus Area Impact of Folon
Financial Inclusion Enables rural farmers to access formal credit and digital payments.
Productivity Growth Empowers informed decision-making and input optimization.
Market Access Farmers can sell directly, increasing profit margins.
Climate Adaptation Weather alerts and crop advisories enhance resilience.
Data Transparency Aggregated data supports smarter policy and investment.

Looking Ahead

With Folon, iFarmer is not just expanding its reach — it is re-imagining how agriculture functions in a digital economy.
The platform’s integration with fintech, logistics, and data analytics positions Bangladesh to become a regional leader in smart agriculture.

As Startup Bangladesh continues to nurture mission-driven founders, success stories like iFarmer × Folon demonstrate the transformative power of homegrown innovation in achieving the goals of a Innovation Driven Bangladesh.

Learn More

Visit www.ifarmer.asia to explore their work or download Folon from the Google Play Store.

To read more inspiring stories of Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem, visit Startup Bangladesh Limited’s Official Website.