iDEA project launches national youth summit startup grant programme

To inspire the youth of the country to take on creative initiatives and support them in transforming their innovative ideas into reality, the "Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (IDEA) Project," under the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) of the ICT Division of Bangladesh, is organising the "National Youth Summit Startup Grant Programme."

As part of the "Festival of Youth 2025," themed "Let's Change the Nation, Let's Change the World," this event is set to be one of the largest platforms for young innovators and startups in Bangladesh.

With this exceptional event, the iDEA Project aims to elevate the power of youth to new heights through innovative initiatives. By bringing together young entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, and students, this initiative seeks to strengthen the country's startup ecosystem further.

Through the National Youth Summit Startup Grant Programme, young entrepreneurs and startups will have the opportunity to receive grants of up to BDT 10 lakh for their innovative ideas. Applications for participation will open on February 5, 2025, and continue until February 15, 2025. In this regard, University Activation Campaigns will be organised at public and private universities nationwide, including Dhaka. Through this campaign, there are plans to directly inform young students, innovators, and entrepreneurs about the National Youth Summit Startup Grant Program. The campaign will also raise awareness among young entrepreneurs about the application process and other activities related to the program.

Innovators and startups from different industry categories, including healthcare, agriculture, education, climate, the garment industry, logistics, fintech, IT, e-commerce, etc., will be eligible to apply. Applications will be evaluated by the sector expert and experienced judges, followed by a pitching round. The names of the grant recipients will be announced at the "National Youth Summit 2025." Aside from the Startup Grant Program, another major attraction of the summit will be the "iDEA Portfolio Startup Exhibition," where young entrepreneurs will showcase their innovative products and services. Success stories of startups that received grants from the iDEA Project will also be presented to inspire the next generation to embark on creative ventures. A special seminar titled "iDEA Project's Impact to Build Bangladesh Startup Ecosystem" is also planned for the summit.

This initiative is a national effort to unite Bangladesh's youth, students, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Through this event, the power and creativity of Bangladeshi youth will be showcased to the world. The organisers believe this initiative will play a vital role in highlighting the youth's potential on an international scale.