The Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA) Project of Bangladesh Computer Council under the ICT Division and Microsoft entered into a letter of intent (LOI) recently to support deep technology startups and homegrown innovations in Bangladesh. Microsoft pledged to offer support to local startups by providing access to the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub programme. This borderless platform is tailored to empower the ambitions of startup founders by offering them resources, including free access to Microsoft tools and platforms such as Visual Studio, GitHub, M365, Power Platform and Dynamics 365, and more. Eligible startups in Bangladesh will be able to benefit from access to expert guidance, including one on one technical advisory sessions, and 24/7 technical assistance to overcome roadblocks and build at any step. Also, they will receive personalised mentorship through the Microsoft Mentor Network, and tailored learning paths, content, and events designed to help founders progress to the next stage of their startup journey. Md Altaf Hossain, project director at iDEA, said: "Given that there are around 2,500 startups and impact enterprises in Bangladesh, with over 200 startups being added to this list every year, this partnership is a timely initiative to bolster the Bangladeshi startup ecosystem." The startup ecosystem in Bangladesh has been creating over 1.5 million employment opportunities, making a significant contribution to the country's GDP. With more than 750,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) benefiting from solutions produced by startups, entrepreneurs from all over the country have seen an increased ease in doing business. "We look forward to working with iDEA, the central hub of the startup ecosystem of Bangladesh to empower entrepreneurs by removing traditional barriers to building a company and help founders innovate and grow, regardless of their background, location, progress, or passions," said Md Yousup Faruqu, country managing director for Microsoft Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is a platform for all founders at any stage to reach their next milestone through personalised technical tools and business resources. Founders can get started on the platform in minutes and gain free access to the technology and support that is critical to turning dreams into life-changing products.