Top 20 Startup Competitions in Bangladesh You Should Enter

Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem is thriving with innovation and entrepreneurial zeal. With a supportive environment and numerous opportunities for growth, participating in startup competitions can be a game-changer for budding entrepreneurs. These competitions offer a platform to showcase ideas, gain funding, and receive invaluable mentorship. Here are the top 20 startup competitions in Bangladesh that you should consider entering in 2024.

1. Startup World Cup Bangladesh

The Startup World Cup is a prestigious global competition that holds regional events in numerous countries, including Bangladesh. It aims to connect the best startups with world-class investors and mentors.

Why Enter?

• Opportunity to compete at the global finals in Silicon Valley.
• Network with top investors and industry leaders.
• Gain international exposure and credibility.

2. Bangladesh StartUp Cup

The Bangladesh StartUp Cup is a business model competition that emphasizes building a viable business rather than just a product. This competition spans several months, focusing on mentorship and business development.

Why Enter?

• Intensive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.
• Access to a network of investors and industry experts.
• Opportunity to refine and validate your business model.

3. Grameenphone Accelerator

The Grameenphone Accelerator is a four-month program designed to support early-stage tech startups in Bangladesh. It provides funding, mentorship, and resources to help startups grow.

Why Enter?

• Receive seed funding and business development support.
• Mentorship from industry veterans.
• Access to Grameenphone’s vast network and resources.

4. Innovation Xtreme

Innovation Xtreme is an annual startup competition organized by Bangladesh Innovation Conclave. It focuses on identifying and nurturing innovative startups that have the potential to disrupt industries.

Why Enter?

• Showcase your startup to a large audience of investors and industry leaders.
• Gain media exposure and recognition.
• Win cash prizes and business support services.

5. Seedstars Dhaka

Seedstars is a global competition that targets startups in emerging markets. The Dhaka edition provides a platform for local startups to pitch their ideas and gain international exposure.

Why Enter?

• Opportunity to represent Bangladesh at the Seedstars Summit.
• Access to a global network of investors and mentors.
• Receive valuable feedback and support.

6. Startup Weekend Dhaka

Startup Weekend is a global grassroots movement that brings together entrepreneurs to share ideas, form teams, and launch startups. The Dhaka edition is a 54-hour event where participants work on startup ideas from concept to launch.

Why Enter?

• Collaborate with like-minded individuals.
• Learn from experienced mentors and coaches.
• Win prizes and gain recognition in the startup community.

7. Bangladesh ICT Expo Startup Challenge

Organized as part of the Bangladesh ICT Expo, this startup challenge focuses on tech startups with innovative solutions. It provides a platform for startups to showcase their products and gain exposure.

Why Enter?

• Present your startup to a large audience of tech enthusiasts and investors.
• Gain media exposure and industry recognition.
• Network with potential investors and partners.

8. EMK Center Startup Competition

The EMK Center organizes various startup competitions throughout the year, focusing on different sectors such as tech, social impact, and creative industries. These competitions aim to support and nurture young entrepreneurs.

Why Enter?

• Access to resources and mentorship from the EMK Center.
• Opportunity to network with industry experts and investors.
• Gain media exposure and recognition.

9. BD Venture’s Investment Challenge

BD Venture’s Investment Challenge is a platform for startups to pitch their ideas to a panel of investors. The competition focuses on identifying promising startups and providing them with funding and mentorship.

Why Enter?

• Access to investment opportunities and business support.
• Mentorship from experienced investors and entrepreneurs.
• Gain valuable feedback and refine your business model.

10. Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN) Startup Challenge

BBDN organizes a startup challenge that focuses on inclusive businesses and startups that cater to people with disabilities. This competition aims to promote social entrepreneurship and inclusive innovation.

Why Enter?

• Gain recognition for your inclusive business model.
• Access to a network of investors and partners.
• Win prizes and business support services.

11. Bangladesh Innovation Awards

The Bangladesh Innovation Awards is an annual event that celebrates and recognizes innovative startups and businesses across various sectors. The awards ceremony includes a startup competition where entrepreneurs can pitch their ideas.

Why Enter?

• Gain national recognition and media exposure.
• Network with top industry leaders and investors.
• Win awards and business support services.

12. Youth Co Bangladesh

Youth Co, co-created by UNDP and Citi Foundation, focuses on empowering young entrepreneurs to drive social change. The Bangladesh edition provides a platform for young entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and gain support.

Why Enter?

• Access to a global network of mentors and investors.
• Opportunity to represent Bangladesh at regional events.
• Gain valuable feedback and support.

13. Bangladesh Startup Summit

The Bangladesh Startup Summit is an annual event that brings together startups, investors, and industry leaders. The event features a startup competition that provides a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas.

Why Enter?

• Pitch to a large audience of potential investors.
• Gain feedback from experienced judges.
• Networking opportunities with industry leaders and investors.

14. The Tiger’s Den

The Tiger’s Den is a reality TV show-style competition where startups pitch their ideas to a panel of judges for funding. It is a popular platform for startups to gain visibility and investment.

Why Enter?

• Gain media exposure and recognition.
• Access to a network of investors and mentors.
• Win funding and business support services.

15. Women in Digital – She Loves Tech Bangladesh

She Loves Tech is a global competition focused on women-led or women-impact startups. The Bangladesh edition provides a platform for female entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and gain support.

Why Enter?

• Empowerment and recognition for women entrepreneurs.
• Access to a global network of mentors and investors.
• Win prizes and business support services.

16. BRAC Social Innovation Lab

BRAC’s Social Innovation Lab organizes various competitions to identify and support startups with social impact. These competitions focus on solutions that address social challenges and promote sustainable development.

Why Enter?

• Access to BRAC’s vast network and resources.
• Mentorship and support for social enterprises.
• Gain recognition and funding for your social impact startup.

17. Get in the Ring Dhaka

Get in the Ring is a global startup competition that features a unique pitching format where startups pitch head-to-head in a boxing ring. The Dhaka edition is a dynamic event that attracts innovative startups.

Why Enter?

• Opportunity to compete on a global stage.
• Gain international exposure and media coverage.
• Network with top investors and industry leaders.

18. Startup Grind Dhaka

Startup Grind is a global community of entrepreneurs that hosts events and competitions worldwide. The Dhaka chapter organizes competitions that provide a platform for startups to pitch their ideas and gain recognition.

Why Enter?

• Access to a global network of entrepreneurs and investors.
• Opportunity to pitch to a curated audience of investors.
• Gain valuable feedback and support.

19. National Mobile App Award

The National Mobile App Award is a competition that focuses on mobile app development. It aims to recognize and support innovative mobile apps that address various challenges and opportunities.

Why Enter?

• Gain recognition for your innovative mobile app.
• Access to a network of investors and partners.
• Win awards and business support services.

20. Dhaka University Startup Expo

The Dhaka University Startup Expo is an annual event organized by Dhaka University that features a startup competition. It provides a platform for student and alumni entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas.

Why Enter?

• Opportunity to showcase your startup to a large audience.
• Gain feedback from experienced judges and mentors.
• Networking opportunities with industry leaders and investors.

Entering these competitions can provide your startup with the exposure, funding, and mentorship needed to take your business to the next level. Whether you’re in tech, social impact, fintech, or any other sector, there’s a competition in Bangladesh that’s right for you. So, gear up, polish your pitch, and get ready to showcase your innovative ideas to the world