Dhaka, 18 May 2023 — On the evening of 18th May 2023, Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Bangladesh executed a remarkable webinar titled "Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Strengthening Dialogue". The digital platform attracted entrepreneurial authorities from diverse sectors, stimulating a vibrant discussion on the essential components of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Watch the Full Program here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JzL1FZN61k&t=44s
The webinar was skillfully steered by Mr. K M Hasan Ripon, National Host for GEW & EWC. Prof. Ujjawal K Chowdhury, Executive Director, IOU, provided the audience with an enlightening keynote address on the present state of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and its significance for startups and overall economic growth.
The conversation was deepened by the insights of an esteemed panel of experts. This included
- Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Managing Director, GEN Bangladesh;
- Engr. A.K.M.A Hamid, President, IDEB;
- Mr. Sami Ahmed, Managing Director, Startup Bangladesh Limited;
- Dr. Rubina Hussain, Senior Vice President, SIYB Bangladesh; and
- Mr. Iqbal Bahar Zahid, Founder of Nijer Bolar Moto Ekti Golpo.
Topics explored by the panelists ranged from policy and regulation, securing funding and resources, the importance of collaborative networks, and talent development and retention. Panelists shared their extensive experiences, illuminating the myriad challenges and opportunities within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Managing Director of GEN Bangladesh, Dr. Sabur Khan, shed light on future activities, including the inaugural AWS summit which aims to support innovative ideas with a $100K seed fund, courtesy of AWS. He emphasized the need to enhance training facilities and encourage the use of shared co-working spaces. He also highlighted the importance of patenting ideas, a practice often overlooked, and voiced the need for dialogues from the webinar to be condensed and communicated to government agencies.
Startup Bangladesh's Managing Director, Mr. Sami Ahmed, acknowledged the significant contributions of Diploma Engineers to Bangladesh's economic development. He stressed the need for increased research and development (R&D) efforts to bolster the ecosystem. He also shared plans for a 'Smart Bangladesh', challenges faced in the wake of COVID-19, and the Government of Bangladesh's venture capital initiative to support startups with $50 million in seed funding.
The event included an engaging Q&A session which stimulated interaction between panelists and participants, culminating with a summary and final thoughts from the panelists. GEN Bangladesh expresses its gratitude for the successful participation and insightful discussions during the webinar. It eagerly anticipates hosting future webinars that continue to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bangladesh.
For more updates on forthcoming webinars and GEN Bangladesh initiatives, please visit genglobal.org/bangladesh or follow GEN Bangladesh on https://www.facebook.com/GlobalEntrepreneurshipNetworkBD.
About Global Entrepreneurship Network Bangladesh:
As part of the Global Entrepreneurship Network active in over 170 countries, GEN Bangladesh is dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurship in Bangladesh by bridging connections between entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers, and support organizations.
Press Contact:
K M Hasan
National Host for GEW & EWC
Email: kmripon@genglobal.org
Phone: +88 01713 493 206