For the first time Bangladesh University (BU) Startup Accelerator launching programme was held on Tuesday at Krishibid Institution, Dhaka.
State minister, ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak graced the programme as chief guest while chairman BUT, BU, Quazi Jamil Azher was in the chair. Grameenphone CEO Michael Patrick Foley was present as special guest. Chris Burry, CEO and Pro-Founder of US Market Access, 2020 Technology Landscape in Silicon Valley was the key note speaker of the programme.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak, in his speech appreciated the time befitting initiative taken by the BU authority. He also underscored the impact of the programme upon the new creative entrepreneurs in ICT sector. To reach the target of achieving the status of middle-income country by 2021 & rich country by 2041, those innovative entrepreneurs will play a vital role, he added. He explained the government strategies and limitless prospects in this sector to boost up the economy. He also highlighted the importance of ideas of quantum computing, nanotech, fintech discussed by the key note speaker and extended his thanks to him.
Michael Foley underscored the connection between civic society and Startup Accelerator to make this program a total success and expresses that this sort of initiative certainly helps achieve the target to reach the expected development goal.
Quazi Jamil Azher informed the participants and guests about the objectives of the program and reassured BU’s stand & continuous initiatives taken to build a huger free, poverty free Bangladesh and to contribute to escalate the national economy of Bangladesh as per our expectation.
The Key note speaker informed the participants and guests about his target to raise fund to help the Startups Accelerators. He already ran more than 150 programs in 27 countries, hosted 640 Startups and helped raising $405M, he added. He also informed about his planning of hosting boot camp designed to coach these entrepreneurs on how to start and run successful startups-business development, valuation, due diligence and effective pitching.
The total programme was moderated by the Programme Advisor, Startup Accelerator, Bangladesh Univesity, Tina Jabeen.
