Grameenphone has launched the third edition of GP Accelerator, the flagship programme to co-create a startup ecosystem and accelerate the digitalisation journey in Bangladesh.
Launched in 2015, the GP Accelerator intends to work closely with the startups, developers, and innovators, enabling them with their sources they need to build, grow, and exceed their possibilities.
State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak launched the GPAccelerator 3.0 at a virtual event on Thursday as the chief guest in presence of Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman.
Earlier this year, a partnership deal had been signed between Grameen-phone and the three pioneering startup ecosystem shapers of Bangladesh- BetterStories Limited, LightCastle Partners, and Upskill - to deliver GP Accelerator 3.0 as a programme that supports the 'global-first' Bangladeshi startups born through Covid-19.
Grameenphone, along with three leading ecosystem shapers of the country, teamed up to run the twelve-month programme with the vision to connect the nation in search of the best homegrown startups and boost their potential with best-fitting resources following the industry needs.
During his speech, Zunaid Ahmed Palak said, "I have been part of the Grameenphone Accelerator journey since its inception six years back."
"I am aware that six batches have received training through the GP Accelerator programme so far and all of them are contributing to the development of the country and the ecosystem from their respective places."
"I strongly believe that this programme will enable the potential youth of this country to continue to gain the knowledge and support they need to build innovative startups and establish them commercially in the days to come," he also said.
He mentioned the country's youths are growing the problem-solving mindset for a tech-dependent future.
"I would like to encourage both the private and public sector to jointly come forward and help us build a self-sustained knowledge-based economy," he added.
With our credible partners, we look forward to co-creating an ecosystem favourable to unleash the potential of our homegrown talents, said Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone.
GP Accelerator programme has already completed six cohorts with 44 promising startups, creating 0.5 million jobs across the country.
Grameenphone contributed over Tk 142 million (over 42 million as direct cash grant and more than 100 million in-kind support), with each team receiving approximately Tk 6.5 million worth of support.
The virtual event discussed that impactful startups like Sheba.XYZ, CMED Health, Dhakacast, Cramstack, Doctorkoi, and many more found their way to success and are flourishing through the GP Accelerator programme.
Sheba.XYZ, CMED Health, and Parkingkoi have exceeded the US$ 5.0 million valuation mark, too.
The value has increased 3.7 times during the boot camp of four and a half months, following an average 16 times growth from the demo day.
Other than minimising the digital divide, GP Accelerator also plays a significant role in reducing inequalities and promoting women's empowerment in the country.
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