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Bijon Islam, CEO and Co-founder of LightCastle Partners, recently participated in the National Education & Innovation Dialogue 2025, where he joined a distinguished panel to discuss the evolving landscape of Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem.
Organized by North South University (NSU) and Bangladesh Brand Forum, and powered by City Bank PLC, the dialogue brought together leading entrepreneurs, policymakers, and academicians to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the country’s entrepreneurial future.
Representing LightCastle Partners, Bijon Islam highlighted the urgent need for data-driven policy reforms, increased local investments, and an enabling environment for startups to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
Moderated by Samuel Mursalin, Director In-Charge of NSU Startups Next (NSUSN), the panel featured renowned industry leaders:
The initiative was supported by United Commercial Bank PLC and served as a platform to foster meaningful dialogue on strengthening the country’s startup ecosystem.
1. Bridging the Investment Gap
Bangladesh has one of the lowest GDP-to-startup investment ratios in Asia, ranking 168 globally in ease of doing business. The panelists emphasized the urgent need for startup-friendly policies and streamlined regulatory processes to create a more conducive business environment.
Another critical concern was the lack of local investment in startups. Currently, 95% of startup investments come from foreign investors, underscoring the need to engage local financial institutions and family-owned conglomerates in venture funding. Encouraging these entities to invest in startups would help build a more resilient and locally supported ecosystem.
2. Changing the Perception of Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh is often perceived as a shortcut to success rather than a rigorous and high-risk endeavor. The panelists stressed the importance of educating aspiring entrepreneurs about the realities of startup life, ensuring they understand the challenges before committing to the journey. Building a strong entrepreneurial mindset is crucial to fostering sustainable businesses.
3. The Role of Universities in Fostering Innovation
Educational institutions play a crucial role in nurturing future entrepreneurs. However, Bangladesh’s current academic structure does not systematically equip students with the necessary skills to build and scale startups. The discussion highlighted the need for universities to revamp their curricula, offering hands-on entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and exposure to real-world business challenges. Faculty members must also develop expertise in startup methodologies to effectively guide budding entrepreneurs.
While Bangladesh has seen a surge in startup activity, several challenges persist:
The panel discussion underscored several actionable steps to accelerate Bangladesh’s startup landscape:
The National Education & Innovation Dialogue 2025 successfully brought together stakeholders committed to shaping Bangladesh’s startup future. The insights from this discussion will serve as a roadmap for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers working towards a more vibrant, innovative, and inclusive startup ecosystem.
As the global economy evolves, Bangladesh has a unique opportunity to unlock its entrepreneurial potential and position itself as a regional hub for innovation. By addressing regulatory challenges, fostering investment, and empowering future entrepreneurs, the country can build a sustainable and competitive startup ecosystem for years to come.
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