Startup Bangladesh pushes 7-pillar strategy to fix ecosystem gaps

Startup Bangladesh Limited (SBL) has unveiled a strategic roadmap focused on strengthening the country's innovation ecosystem on May 24.

According to a press release, discussions focused on seven key enablers identified in the report: Accelerators/Incubators, Challenge Funds, Local LP Engagement, Fund Manager Training, Nation Branding, Regulation Advocacy, and Startup Summits.

Despite promising early-stage activity, the report highlighted the pressing need to address gaps in the ecosystem. The roadmap outlines a comprehensive action plan tailored to Bangladesh's context, aligning with global best practices and supported by designated implementation leads including Startup Bangladesh and the ICT Division, states the press release by Startup Bangladesh.

The roadmap calls for a dual approach: expanding the pipeline of startups entering the ecosystem, and ensuring that those already in operation are better equipped to scale and attract investment. Each of the seven pillars includes specific recommendations to build infrastructure, unlock funding opportunities, and raise Bangladesh's profile as a destination for innovation, as per a press release.

With stakeholder input gathered during the session, Startup Bangladesh will begin to roll out the first wave of priority initiatives in alignment with fiscal and operational planning for the next phase.

The initiative was formally presented during a stakeholder engagement session held at the ICT Division in Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by Shish Haider Chowdhury, ndc, Secretary of the ICT Division and Chairman of Startup Bangladesh, and brought together representatives from government agencies, investors, academia, development partners, and startup enablers, as per a press release.