To discover smart entrepreneurs at regional level and develop the potential of young entrepreneurs, Grameenphone's startup innovation platform GP Accelerator has been organising a nationwide bootcamp titled ‘Jelay Jelay Smart Uddyokta’.
As part of this initiative, the eighth session of the bootcamp was held on June 29 at the IDEB building in the capital.
The bootcamp has been organized primarily to harness the innovative potential of university students and promising young entrepreneurs, providing them with skills, networking opportunities, and guidance in securing funding for new business ventures.
This regional bootcamp is being held in phases across 20 regions nationwide.
The program was graced by Brig Gen Mohammad Khalil-ur-Rahman, director general of the Systems and Services Division of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) as chief guest.
Hans Martin Henrichsen, chief corporate affairs officer of Grameenphone, along with noted personalities and participants including local community organizers, startup founders, GP Accelerator (GPA) members, experts and trainers from related industries also took part.
Muhammad Sohel Rana, program lead of GP Accelerator of Grameenphone, conducted the program.
The program was divided into two parts.
The first part of the day focused on a workshop on design thinking, covering what design thinking is, its steps, product testing, how to conduct market research, financial modeling, and how to create a pitch deck for investment.
Detailed training was provided on the topics. The final phase of the bootcamp, the second part, an idea pitching competition was organized where local entrepreneurs presented various ideas. Among them, solving local problems was given the utmost importance.
Hans Martin Henrichsen, CCAO of Grameenphone, said: "One of the prerequisites for building a Smart Bangladesh is to develop smart entrepreneurs. With this goal in mind, the 'Jelay Jelay Smart Uddyokta’ bootcamp is organized nationwide by GP Accelerator. We believe this initiative will provide talented entrepreneurs from remote areas the opportunity to develop their potential. The enthusiastic response from young entrepreneurs to this initiative is promising."
Since its inception in 2015, GP Accelerator has made significant contributions to the startup landscape in the country.
Through 50 startups, it has created employment opportunities for five lakh people.
GP Accelerator also plays a significant role in the economic development of the country simultaneously.
At the program, the winning team was awarded a prize of Tk1 lakh.
Startup Bangladesh Ltd. is a Strategic Partner to GP Accelerator.
