Grameenphone’s GP Accelerator has launched the “Smart Entrepreneurs in Every District” bootcamp initiative to nurture innovative ideas among talented youth across Bangladesh. Aimed at addressing local problems with unconventional solutions, the program seeks to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills, guidance, and opportunities necessary for their success.
The 17th session of the bootcamp recently took place at the National Youth Development Institute in Savar, Dhaka, where approximately 300 entrepreneurs participated. Targeting university students and promising young innovators, the program is designed to foster entrepreneurial potential through skill development, networking, and funding guidance.
So far, over 4,500 “ideapreneurs” have benefited from the bootcamps, which are being conducted in 20 regions nationwide. The initiative focuses on nurturing entrepreneurship to solve local issues, create employment opportunities, and drive economic growth.
The event featured Brigadier General Iqbal Ahmed (Retd.), Commissioner of Engineering and Operations at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), as the chief guest. Grameenphone’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer (CCAO) Tanveer Mohammad, along with local community leaders, startup founders, industry experts, and trainers, also attended. Muhammad Sohel Rana, Lead of GP Accelerator, hosted the program.
The bootcamp consisted of two segments. In the first, participants received training on design thinking methodologies, product testing, market research, financial modeling, and creating investment-ready pitch decks. The second segment was an idea-pitching competition emphasizing solutions to local challenges.
Tanveer Mohammad stated, “Grameenphone is committed to fostering an inclusive society through digital empowerment. This initiative enables talented youth nationwide to grow as smart entrepreneurs, contributing to local problem-solving, job creation, and national progress. It empowers rural innovators while aligning the nation with the global digital landscape.”
Since its inception in 2015, GP Accelerator has made significant contributions to Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem, supporting 50 startups and creating employment for 500,000 people. The initiative has also bolstered the country’s economic growth.
The event concluded with the winning team receiving a cash prize of BDT 100,000.
