Bangabandhu Innovation Grant

Program Overview

The Bangabandhu Innovation Grant (BIG) platform, launched in 2019 by Bangladesh's government, honors the legacy of the Father of the Nation while supporting startups and entrepreneurs across all sectors. BIG provides competitive grants, mentorship, and networking opportunities to innovative businesses. The program awards the top startup with $100,000 USD and provides 1,000,000 BDT grants to 35 additional qualifying startups through the Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA).

Funding Structure

BIG operates as a competitive grant program with tiered awards. The grand prize winner receives $100,000 USD (approximately 12 million BDT) to accelerate their venture. An additional 35 startups each receive 1,000,000 BDT grants to support business development, product refinement, market entry, or scaling operations. All grant recipients gain access to mentorship from industry experts, networking opportunities with investors and successful entrepreneurs, and connection to Bangladesh's growing startup ecosystem.

Eligibility Requirements

The program accepts applications from startups and entrepreneurs across all sectors and industries. Eligible applicants must demonstrate innovation in their business model, technology, or approach to solving market problems. Both early-stage and growth-stage startups qualify. Applicants should present clear business plans, evidence of traction or market validation, and scalability potential. The program prioritizes ventures with strong social impact, job creation capacity, and alignment with Bangladesh's development priorities.

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the BIG platform at big.gov.bd. Startups present business plans, pitch decks, financial projections, and evidence of innovation. The selection process includes initial screening, pitch presentations, and evaluation by expert panels assessing innovation level, market opportunity, team capability, social impact, and scalability. Finalists participate in intensive mentorship and preparation before final judging. Winners are announced publicly and gain immediate access to grant funds and support resources.

Program Impact

BIG has become a cornerstone of Bangladesh's startup ecosystem, providing crucial non-dilutive funding that enables founders to maintain full equity while accessing growth capital. The program's mentorship component connects winners with experienced business leaders who provide strategic guidance. Networking opportunities facilitate partnerships, customer relationships, and follow-on investment. BIG winners gain credibility that helps attract additional funding from private investors and venture capital firms operating in Bangladesh.