GP Accelerator, Grameenphone’s flagship startup innovation platform, launched ‘Jelay Jelay Smart Uddyokta’ – Regionally designed Bootcamp with an aim to unlock the potential of young entrepreneurs.
An official announcement was made at a hotel in Dhaka on Saturday (September 30), where community builders from different districts, startup founders, GP Accelerator (GPA) alumni, mentors alongside industry specialists, Esteemed personalities and stakeholders came together to encourage startup empowerment. innovation from extraordinary ideas through relevant skills development and mentoring support, reads a press release.
Startup Bangladesh Ltd is working as a strategic partner with GP Accelerator to strengthen and pilot this initiative at the regional level.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Minister of State for ICT Division, graced the event as the chief guest. Also present at the ceremony were Sami Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO of Startup Bangladesh Ltd., Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone and senior officials from both organizations.
The “Jelay Jelay Smart Uddyokta” initiative aims to foster entrepreneurship to address regional challenges and build local innovative solutions. The program will mobilize 30 community builders and organize presentation sessions at 20 sites, with the aim of identifying and rewarding the top 20 entrepreneurs. This initiative is particularly aimed at university students and potential entrepreneurs who are passionate about innovation through startups, providing them with valuable skills, mentoring, networking opportunities and financial support. This effort aligns with Bangladesh’s goal of becoming a smart nation, harnessing the potential of its youth.
Speaking at the event, MP Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Minister of State for ICT Division, said, “I am delighted to witness the launch of GP Accelerator’s ‘Jelay Jelay Smart Uddyokta’, a remarkable initiative aimed at nourish the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of our young people. In our journey to becoming a smart Bangladesh, the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators will play a pivotal role, and programs like these are essential to harness their potential. I applaud Grameenphone for its commitment to supporting startups by providing training and mentoring to thousands of people. of “ideapreneurs”. This initiative in partnership with Startup Bangladesh aligns perfectly with our Smart Bangladesh 2041 vision, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our startup ecosystem. »
Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone, said: “Grameenphone is committed to empowering society and fostering a smart, knowledge-based and inclusive economy. Our GP Accelerator program embodies this commitment. The introduction of Regionally Designed Bootcamps marks a new phase in our mission to promote entrepreneurship and innovation across the country. We are confident that the innovative ideas of young entrepreneurs can drive significant regional growth, which is the essence of this initiative. Bootcamps will not only provide thousands of innovative entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, but also strengthen the network. of startup communities that will collectively contribute to building a “Smart Bangladesh”.
Since its inception in 2015, GP Accelerator has made a significant impact on the country’s startup sector. It has generated 500,000 jobs through 50 startups, increased the value of many promising startups tenfold, and achieved a cross-valuation of $5 million. This demonstrates the substantial contribution of the program to the country’s economic growth.
