iDEA Project and Microsoft sign LOI to boost the startup ecosystem 

The Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA) Project of Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) under the ICT Division and Microsoft have entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the purpose of supporting deep technology startups and homegrown innovations in Bangladesh. IDEA’s Project Director & Joint Secretary Mr. Altaf Hossain from iDEA and The Country Managing Director for Microsoft Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal Mr. Md Yousup Faruqu from Microsoft signed an LOI on Thursday, December 15, 2022. The Senior Consultant of IDEA project Mr. Siddhartho Goushami along with other officials of the two organizations was present at that time.

Accordingly, Microsoft has pledged to offer support to local startups by providing access to the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub program. This borderless platform is tailored to empower the ambitions of startup founders by offering them resources including free access to Microsoft tools and platforms such as Visual Studio, GitHub, M365, Power Platform and Dynamics 365, and more, to help them turn their ideas into reality.

Eligible startups in Bangladesh will be able to benefit from access to expert guidance including 1:1 technical advisory sessions and 24/7 technical assistance to overcome roadblocks and build at any step. Additionally, they will receive personalized mentorship through the Microsoft Mentor Network, and tailored learning paths, content, and events designed to help founders progress to the next stage of their startup journey. 

Speaking at the signing event, Md Altaf Hossain – Project Director at iDEA said, “Given that there are around 2,500 startups and impact enterprises in Bangladesh, with over 200 startups being added to this list every year, this partnership is a timely initiative to bolster the Bangladeshi startup ecosystem. We’re excited to have the support of a globally recognized partner such as Microsoft to provide our local startups with the technology and tools needed to foster homegrown innovation.”

The startup ecosystem in Bangladesh has been creating over 1.5 million employment opportunities, making a significant contribution to the country’s GDP. With more than 750,000 SMEs benefiting from solutions produced by startups, entrepreneurs from all over the country have seen an increased ease in doing business.

“We look forward to working with iDEA, the central hub of the startup ecosystem of Bangladesh to empower entrepreneurs by removing traditional barriers to building a company and help founders innovate and grow, regardless of their background, location, progress, or passions,” added Md Yousup Faruqu – Country Managing Director for Microsoft Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.