The government has launched the third episode of Bangabandhu Innovation Grant (BIG) on Tuesday to support youth in building tech-enabled scalable business or startup.

State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak announced the opening of third edition of BIG as chief guest at a function at ICT Division in the capital’s Agargaon.

The champion startup will be awarded a special honor and a grant of Tk 10 million while top 50 startups will be also awarded a grant of Tk 1 million each. 

Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA) project of Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) under the ICT Division initiated the programme marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

ICT Division Secretary Shamsul Arefin, BCC executive director Ranajit Kumar and Startup Bangladesh managing director Sami Ahmed were present as the special guests while iDEA project director Altaf Hossain presided over the session.

Addressing the function, Zunaid Ahmed Palak urged the young innovators to tackle the economic crisis by providing technology-based solutions to the country's problems.

“Youths in Bangladesh have huge talent, they need cooperation. We are providing that opportunity through the Bangabandhu innovation grant,” he said. 

Startup Bangladesh managing director Sami Ahmed inspires startups by saying that startups get networking and feedback opportunities from BIG, which are very important for them.

In vote of thanks, iDEA project director Altaf Hossain hoped BIG will play a unique role in the socio-economic development of the country besides serving as a role model for all aspiring entrepreneurs or startups.

Initially, registration can be done by visiting the website ( www. ) of “BIG 2023” from Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Any information technology-oriented entrepreneur can participate in this contest by 22nd April 2023, Saturday.

The BIG authority plans to select 300 innovative startups at the initial stage among the applications received. Later, a 3-day bootcamp will be organised with the selected top startups. This bootcamp includes day-long workshops, mentoring, pitching etc. with startups.

The top 51 startups of “BIG 2023” will be selected from the most promising startups of the bootcamp, and the final round of BIG will be organized with the best 5 startups selected among them.

From this final round, a selection panel consisting of experienced judges will select the final result of this grand event. Registration will open till April 22.