DHAKA, April 12, 2023 (BSS) - The activation campaign of the Bangabandhu Innovation Grant-2023 was held at the North South University (NSU) campus today.

The Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA) Project of Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) under the ICT Division in association with North South University Startups Next (NSUSN) organised the campaign, said a press release.

Project Director and Joint Secretary Md Altaf Hossain presided over the meeting while NSU Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr M Ismail Hossain addressed the programme as chief guest.

Dean of the School of Business and Economics Prof Dr Helal Ahmed, Dean of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences Dr Javed Bari and NSUSN Director and ECE department Professor Prof Dr. Sazzad Hossen also addressed, among others.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Altaf Hossain highlighted different activities of the iDEA project, saying that the project is playing a significant role in Bangladesh's journey towards being a smart Bangladesh by 2041.

Noting that the iDEA has been conducting campaigns across the country to assist the entrepreneurs, he said Apart from providing grants, iDEA project provides support through mentoring, training, networking and more.

NSU Pro-VC Dr M Ismail Hossain said, "It is possible to bring big changes even from small changes in the society. Small projects or ideas can be scaled up through funding, which will make it easier to build a prosperous Bangladesh by 2041, and thus, innovation needed on a larger scale".

Big'23 Chief coordinator and senior consultant Siddhartho Goushami, iDEA Project Communications Consultant and Associate Coordinator of BIG 2023 Sohag Chandra Das, Consultant and BIG 2023 Technology Associate Coordinator Abul Kalam Ahsanul Azad, Consultant of IT Help and Support Md Mominul Islam and official of NSU were present at the event, among others.

With the theme 'Dare to Stand BIG', the biggest initiative "BIG" is being organised for the country's entrepreneurs since 2019 by the Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA) Project of Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) under the ICT Division.
 
The aspirant entrepreneurs can apply online (www.big.gov.bd) for their ICT based initiatives by April 22, 2023.

A 3-day bootcamp will be organized with the selected top startups. The top 51 startups of "BIG 2023" will be selected from the most promising startups of the bootcamp while a selection panel consisting of experienced judges will select the best startup and it will be awarded a grant of Taka 1 core.

The rest of the 50 startups will receive a grant of Taka 10 lakh each. Besides, there are different opportunities for startups in BIG 2023 including investment, special certificates of appreciation, and mentoring.