Four startups graduate from North South University Startups Next (NSUSN)

Four technology-based startups, building scalable solutions to turn some of society's biggest problems into opportunities, have graduated from the inaugural cohort of North South University Startups Next (NSUSN), a startup incubator by NSU to shape and support to create the next generation of startup founders. To celebrate the success of the graduate startups and the launch of the next cohort, NSUSN has hosted the virtual graduation ceremony on 26 January 2021.

NSUSN launched its very first cohort in June 2020 to support the future founders with guided mentorship, networking, and early-stage funding opportunities for making their businesses scalable in the long run. Upon going through rigorous guidance, business-building support, and evaluation on the ideas, teams, real-life problem-solving capacity, and scalability of the businesses, four startups are graduating from the program.

The ceremony was graced by Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, Honorable State Minister, Ministry of Information & Communication Technology, Government of The People's Republic of Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest; M. A. Kashem, Chairman, Board of Trustees, North South University, as Special Guest; and Prof. Atiqul Islam, Vice-Chancellor, North South University as the Session Chair.

The four graduate startups named Thrive (A platform to provide education technology products for augmenting classroom experience), ReShop (A reseller platform for online businesses with 360 degree logistics and marketing solution), Kalke (A human resource and people management Software as a Service platform to automate HR-related tasks), and Hypescout (An influencer fueled digital marketing platform), are developing solutions high-potential sectors in this growing market of Bangladesh.

Applications to the second cohort of NSUSN is open. Anyone committed to building a startup solving a real problem in society can apply online at www.nsustartupsnext.com till 28th February 2021.

NSUSN will provide high-potential entrepreneurs and teams with a support network and structured growth process needed to build startups that can make a difference. Many of the country's top founders, experts, advisors, and investors will mentor the aspiring entrepreneurs in the coming cohort of NSUSN.

"I wholeheartedly thank the NSU Startups Next team for taking this timely initiative to nurture the young founders of our country. We are really happy to see their encouragement towards creating more job creators, not job seekers. I will encourage all the potential entrepreneurs and young leaders to apply to NSU Startups Next for getting all the necessary opportunities to build a better future. We always believe our students are capable enough to solve the biggest problems in our society. Let's work together to build a better Bangladesh", said Chief Guest Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP.

"North South University has always advocated for excellence in all academic fields. NSU Startups Next is an excellent program organized by NSU. We all feel proud of this initiative. The fourth industrial revolution will be based on technology. So the merge of business and technology will be imperative for solving the problems of tomorrow. I wish the success of the second cohort by NSU Startups Next as they initiate the change required to solve the problems of tomorrow," said Special Guest M. A. Kashem.

NSU is already home to the founders of successful startups like Pathao, Chaldal, iFarmer, Trucklagbe, and many more who are thriving both locally and globally. NSUSN is committed to giving the country more entrepreneurs who can create jobs across a range of industries and contribute to the economy significantly.