Grand Inauguration of the Largest Startup Accelerator of Bangladesh

On July 29, 2023, Bangladesh marked a significant milestone in its journey towards technological and entrepreneurial excellence with the inauguration of the Smart Bangladesh Accelerator. This landmark event, held at the prestigious Hotel InterContinental, was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who played a pivotal role in unveiling this visionary initiative.

The Smart Bangladesh Accelerator is conceived as a springboard for the nation’s startups, providing them with vital support to foster innovation, scalability, and global competitiveness. In her inaugural address, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina encapsulated the essence and ambitions of this initiative, stating, “Our young generation would be the most skilled manpower in each field in building the Smart Bangladesh.” This statement not only reflects her confidence in the potential of Bangladesh’s youth but also underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging young talent in realizing the dream of a digitally empowered nation by 2041.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship, viewing them as critical drivers for economic growth and technological advancement. By focusing on the development of a skilled workforce adept in areas such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, block chain, and robotics, the Smart Bangladesh Accelerator aims to position Bangladesh as a leading player in the global digital economy. The inauguration of the Smart Bangladesh Accelerator symbolizes a forward leap in the country’s digital transformation journey.

It aligns with the government’s broader strategy of building a knowledge-based, technology-driven economy, capable of meeting the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Through initiatives like the Smart Bangladesh Accelerator, the government aims to create a conducive ecosystem for startups, encouraging both domestic and foreign investment, and ultimately fostering the growth of unicorn companies that can contribute significantly to the nation’s prosperity.

In her speech, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also urged domestic and foreign investors to recognize the burgeoning potential of Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem and contribute to its growth. Her leadership and visionary approach are instrumental in propelling Bangladesh towards achieving its goals of innovation, digitalization, and economic transformation, with the Smart Bangladesh Accelerator playing a crucial role in this transformative journey.