The Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA) Project of BCC under the ICT Division has begun nationwide work to enhance the skills of startups by forming communities with them at the divisional level. The iDEA Project is adopting special strategies to encourage emerging entrepreneurs and implement their innovative ideas properly through collaboration. As part of that strategy, activities have already started with the startups of Barishal, an important place in the southern part of Bangladesh, for the development of entrepreneurs. In the light of this, iDEA is organizing a 3-day “Startup Ideation Incubation Program” in the Barishal division known as “Venice of Bengal”.
The program, organized by the iDEA Project and in collaboration with Startup Barishal, is being held at Higher Secondary Teachers Training Institute, Barisal (HSTTI) from Saturday, March 12, 2022, and will continue till March 14, 2022. As a result of this incubation program, in collaboration with “Startup Barishal”, 80 young people from 40 startups of Barishal and its adjoining districts got the opportunity to participate for complimentary.
The startup incubation program was inaugurated by the Executive Director (Grade-1) of BCC Dr. Md. Abdul Mannan, PAA. He said that activities for the development of startups will continue through the iDEA project of the Bangladesh Computer Council. He also hoped that the entrepreneurs of the Barishal division would be inspired through this initiative. He thanked the Barishal district administration, Startup Barishal and all for their cooperation in arranging such a program.
The Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) of Barishal Mr. Khondoker Anwar Hossain and Project Director (Joint Secretary) of iDEA Project Mr. Md. Altaf Hossain were present as special guests on the occasion. Barishal Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate Mr. Jashim Uddin Haider presided over the function. iDEA project senior consultant R H M Alaol Kabir gave a welcome speech on the occasion.
The Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) of Barishal Mr. Khondoker Anwar Hossain said that by utilizing our thinking capability and talent we can build our country as the digital Bangladesh of our dreams. He also said that every effort will be made to give maximum opportunity to the entrepreneurs in Barishal.
Project Director (Joint Secretary) of iDEA Project Mr. Md. Altaf Hossain said that the contribution of the government in the ICT sector is undeniable. iDEA projects are already working in various ways with more than 400 startups. He encouraged startups to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the government.
Barishal Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate Mr. Jashim Uddin Haider said in his speech that only our self-confidence and innovative attitude can help us reach our goal. Like other countries in the world, we can use information and communication technology to take place in the list of developed countries.
In this incubation program, there are special sessions with the entrepreneurs about the successful implementation of the startup, different legal issues of the entrepreneurs and various challenges & with its solutions related to the startup. In addition, different cases including startup financial strategy and analysis, business model, marketing and sales strategy will be the main topics of training in this program. After organizing in Mymensingh and Comilla, the organizing authority thinks that the program will be completed successfully in the Barishal region this time as well. From this training, the top startups will apply for a grant of BDT 10 lakh from the iDEA project. In this case, the process of iDEA project will be followed accordingly. Finally, startups who are finally considered eligible by the selection committee of the iDEA project will have the opportunity to receive a grant of BDT 10 lakh.
It is to be noted that under the supervision of the Hon’ble State Minister for the ICT Division of Bangladesh Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak MP, ICT division has taken different initiatives for startups. According to the internal information of the iDEA project, from 2016 to February 2022, 248 startups have been nominated for a grant of BDT 10 lakh. The iDEA Project accepts applications for startup grants throughout the year. To apply for a grant with any ICT-based innovative idea, startups may visit www.idea.gov.bd .