Third round for startups opens

The third round of the Bangabandhu Innovation Grant (BIG), a funding programme for local startups and entrepreneurs, was launched on Tuesday.

Any information technology-oriented entrepreneur can participate in this competition by April 22.

Under the programme, the best startup company will get special honour and Tk 10 million while top 50 others will receive Tk 1.0 million each.

The launching ceremony was held at the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) conference centre in the capital's Agargaon area, reads a statement.

State minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak attended the event as the chief guest.

ICT Division secretary Md Shamsul Arefin, BCC executive director Ranajit Kumar and Startup Bangladesh Limited (SBL) managing director Sami Ahmed, among others, were present at the programme.

In his speech, Mr Palak urged young innovators to tackle the economic crisis by providing technology-based solutions to the country's problems.

The nation's youth are not short of talent but they need cooperation, he said.

"We're providing that opportunity through the Bangabandhu Innovation Grant," he said, expressing hope that young innovators will solve the problems not only of the country, but also of the world.

Addressing the event, Mr Arefin said entrepreneurs are going to create a platform or take steps to take Bangladesh forward by getting the BIG money.

"Those who will win through this innovation grant will take our country further through their new innovation," he hoped.

The BIG authorities plan to select 300 innovative startups at the initial stage.

Later, a three-day boot camp will be organised for them, according to the organisers.

[email protected]