To inspire startup culture across the country the government will be awarding ten Bangladeshi technology-based startups in May 2017. Besides, the first-ever National Demo Day will be held to connect startups with a host of local and foreign investors on 25 May 2017. Startups are invited to apply online by 14 may 2017.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division of the Government and BetterStories Limited are jointly organizing the National Demo Day and Bangladesh StartUp Awards under the umbrella of the Startup Bangladesh with support from Grameenphone's GP Accelerator and Venture Capital and Private Equity Association of Bangladesh(VCPEAB).
Basics
At the press meet Grameenphone Senior Director and Head of Transformation Kazi Mahbub Hassan and VCPEAB General Secretary Shawkat Hossain exchanged the partnership agreements with the BetterStories Director Selima Allen Hossain.
The organizers shared the detail of the programme at a press meet at Software Technology Park at Karwan Bazar in the capital on Tuesday. ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak was the chief guest on the occasion.
The organizers informed that the Bangladesh Startup Awards and National Demo Day will be held on May 25. Startups that are at least one-year old (proof to be submitted), have a solid revenue model and are operating from one of the divisions in Bangladesh (proof to be submitted) can apply until midnight of May 14, 2017 for Bangladesh Startup Awards. The startups that are graduates or winners of a platform such as an incubator, accelerator, competition can apply to join the National Demo Day.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak said the government has been working with private sector to develop a startup ecosystem as the young generations can lead Bangladesh forward as a knowledge economy.
“The Bangladesh Startup Award and National Demo Day are paired to form a unique platform for the local innovators. We are proud to be able to recognize the hard work, commitment and ambition of the Bangladeshi young entrepreneurs,” the minister said.
“Shortlisted startups will be invited for grooming, coaching and networking session to be held on May 22 to 24 and top startups will be awarded on May 25 at a gala event,” the minister added.”
Better Stories Director Selima Allen Hossain said, “National Demo Day aims to present the best of Bangladesh startup ecosystem to the rest of the world. It brings together all the startup platforms, investors, policy actors and startups to connect, network and grow”.
Allen has also informed that startups which graduated of an incubator or accelerator or winner of a start-up competition can apply for the investor networking until midnight of May 14.
Grameenphone Senior Director and Head of Transformation Kazi Mahbub Hassan said: “Grameenphone is committed to support the startup ecosystem in Bangladesh and we are delighted to offer support to the first ever National Demo Day and Bangladesh Startup Awards”.
VCPEAB President Shameem Ahsan said: “We will be connecting a host of local and international investors with the Bangladeshi Startups as we aim to showcase the best of the local startup ecosystem to rest of the world.”
VCPEB General Secretary Shawkat Hossain and Executive Director of BCC, senior officials of ICT Division were, among other organizers and media professionals, present on the occasion.
