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.

The Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA) Project of Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) under the ICT Division Sunday distributed a Tk1.25 crore grant to 250 women entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs received a one-time grant of Tk50,000 each at the 92nd birth anniversary programme of Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib in Dhaka. ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak handed over the cheques to the women entrepreneurs. The IDEA project undertook the initiative to provide grants to startups, small and medium enterprises, and entrepreneurs, especially women entrepreneurs, to develop, encourage and accelerate their businesses. Read: 80% of travel market remains unexplored: Palak Palak said: "The failure rate of women entrepreneurs is lower than men. Our mothers and daughters are thrifty. I think the grant given to these entrepreneurs will not go to waste." "This is not the end; every year on August 8, 1000 Bengali entrepreneurs get grants. The ICT Division will do its best to provide training, co-working space and seed money to women entrepreneurs to create 50 percent women entrepreneurs by 2041."

Digital platform ‘Food for Nation’ opened its door for sacrificial animal sellers for free registration ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

The ‘Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA) project’ of Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) under the ICT Division has completed the preliminary works on a baseline survey being conducted aiming to identify challenges for startups in the country’s different sectors.

Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA) project of Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) under the ICT Division inaugurated its online class activities at Dhaka Residential Model College through an online video conference on Monday.