High Commission of India hosts 'Startup Connect' with leading Bangladeshi startups

The High Commission of India hosted "Startup Connect" on 28 September – an event bringing together over 30 leading Bangladeshi startup founders and ecosystem leaders over a networking session and providing them with an opportunity to connect with peers to explore new partnerships.

"Startup Connect" underscored the remarkable growth in the startup ecosystem in India and Bangladesh and showcased avenues for collaboration. The event highlighted how both Bangladeshi and Indian startups can leverage opportunities in technological innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering strong cross-border collaborations and driving shared growth in a future-oriented partnership, reads a press release. 

Addressing the event, High Commissioner Pranay Verma underlined the importance of innovation-led growth in driving the future of India-Bangladesh engagement. He noted that startups reflect both innovation and power of youth, not only creating jobs and providing solutions, but also acting as bridges to connect the two countries through new ideas and partnerships. High Commissioner Verma expressed hope that the "Startup Connect" platform will set a new narrative for India-Bangladesh relations built upon the power of future-oriented collaboration.

The programme featured leading voices from the startup ecosystem in Bangladesh. Mr. Habibullah N. Karim, Founder & CEO of Technohaven Company Ltd. and Senior Vice President of MCCI, spoke about the rapid growth of Bangladesh's startup sector across various domains. Mr. Mirza Salman Hossain Beg, Co-founder of iKori and 10 Minute School, outlined the opportunities for young entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, and successful collaborations that have taken place between India and Bangladesh in the startup sector.  The co-founder and CEO of ShopUp Bangladesh, Mr. Ataur Rahim Chowdhury, narrated his experience of partnership with India in accessing global technology talents and adopting the best practices.

The participants expressed confidence that such exchanges will deepen cross-border innovation collaborations, funding access, technological support, and market partnerships. 

The event was hosted in the run-up to the Tamil Nadu Global Startup Summit (TNGSS), scheduled for 9-10 October 2025 in Coimbatore, where several Bangladeshi startups will be participating. Recognized as one of India's largest startup gatherings, this year's TNGSS will bring together delegates from 39 countries, offering a vibrant platform to connect startups with investors, industry leaders, and new business opportunities.