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In a strategic step toward building a digital and knowledge-based economy, NSU Startups Next (NSUSN), the incubation platform of North South University (NSU), hosted a session titled "Entrepreneurs Innovation Engine: NSUSN x BHTPA" at AUDI 801, NSU Campus on 29 May 2025, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA).
The session served as a platform to strengthen the connection between academia and the national innovation ecosystem. It introduced NSU students and faculty to Accelerating Bangladesh, a flagship startup acceleration program supported by BHTPA and its partners.
The program is designed to empower youth through structured mentorship, access to funding, and national exposure, paving the way for their entrepreneurial growth.
The event explored key themes central to the future of entrepreneurship at NSU and beyond. Speakers discussed how students can actively participate in national initiatives, such as Accelerating Bangladesh, and the importance of strategic partnerships between the government and academia.
They also emphasised the need to foster a campus culture that is rooted in innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.
The event also highlighted the central role of universities in fostering inclusive, sustainable innovation in Bangladesh. Speakers emphasised the impact of university-led incubators, such as NSUSN, in bridging the gap between academic research and commercial entrepreneurship and in fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving at the campus level.
The session featured esteemed national and academic leaders, recognised as the Minds Guiding the Nation's Innovation Roadmap. Among them were Professor Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of North South University; Dr. Md. Mokhles Ur Rahman, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration; and Monjur Mohammad Shahriar, Project Director of the Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem Development (DEIED) Project, BHTPA.
In his opening remarks, Samuel Mursalin, Director (Charge) of NSU Startups Next, emphasised, "Universities must become launchpads for youth-led innovation. Through strong public-private collaboration and access to national programs like Accelerating Bangladesh, we can bridge the gap between student potential and real-world impact."
Representatives from BHTPA echoed similar sentiments, expressing confidence in the collaboration with NSU to cultivate a more connected and future-ready innovation ecosystem.
The event concluded with renewed commitments to increase student engagement in national acceleration initiatives and create more pathways for young innovators to thrive.
Speaking at the session, Monjur Mohammad Shahriar, Project Director, DEIED Project, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA), remarked, "Youth-led innovation holds the key to our digital future. BHTPA is committed to supporting initiatives that nurture entrepreneurial talent and create sustainable, knowledge-based growth."
For aspiring entrepreneurs, policymakers, and academia alike, the event served as a powerful reminder of the role that strategic collaboration plays in shaping the future of Bangladesh's startup ecosystem.