ICMAB launches startup incubation centre to foster entrepreneurship

The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) has officially opened the ICMAB Startup Incubation Centre (ISIC), a pioneering initiative designed to cultivate a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the ICT Division, Ministry of Posts, Telecommunication and Information Technology, inaugurated the centre at an event held at the ICMA Bhaban in Dhaka on Monday.

Setting up the centre reflects the ICMAB's commitment to driving sustainable economic growth and technological advancement in the country, says a press statement.

In his address, Shish Haider Chowdhury commended ICMAB for its visionary leadership and emphasised the critical role of entrepreneurship and innovation in building the future economy of Bangladesh.

Murtuza Zulkar Nain Noman, Project Director (Joint Secretary) of the Innovation Design & Entrepreneurship Academy at the Bangladesh Computer Council, attended the event as the special guest while Siddhartho Goshwami, Senior Consultant and Head of Operations at the ICT Division, joined as a resource person.

The primary mission of the ICMAB Startup Incubation Centre (ISIC) is to establish ICMAB as a national hub for tech-driven startups in the accounting and finance sectors that are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The centre will focus on nurturing research-based, socially responsible, and sustainable enterprises, thereby contributing to national development, employment generation, and elevating the global standing of the CMA profession.

Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, President of ICMAB, stated, "The conventional way doesn't always work.To move forward, we must improvise and innovate new approaches that address the evolving needs of our nation. The ISIC marks just the beginning of this journey; we envision expanding the center further and continuing to contribute to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability that will shape a smarter, knowledge-driven Bangladesh."

Md. KausarAlam FCMA, Vice-President of ICMAB, delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all participants and underscoring the importance of sustained collaboration between academia, industry, and the government for the nation's sustainable development.