WaterAid launches 'BLUE Business Innovation Challenge' to tackle water, waste issues
The initiative is funded by the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and represented by the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, reads a press release.
WaterAid Bangladesh has launched the "BLUE Business Innovation Challenge", a nationwide competition under the GO4IMPACT programme, to inspire young entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions for the country's pressing water and waste management challenges.
The initiative is funded by the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and represented by the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, reads a press release.
It is being implemented in consortium with Swisscontact, while Rupantar and the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) are serving as implementing partners.
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The programme aims to empower youth to design climate-smart, locally grounded business ideas that improve public service delivery, promote environmental sustainability, and strengthen community resilience.
Targeting youth innovators aged 18–35 from Dhaka, Satkhira, Naogaon, Rajshahi, and Khulna, the competition will especially focus on areas including Niamatpur, Dhamoirhat, and Naogaon Pourashava in Naogaon, as well as Shyamnagar, Ashashuni, and Satkhira Pourashava in Satkhira.
Through regional selection events, a residential bootcamp, and a national innovation showcase, the challenge will identify promising youth-led ideas and support them with seed funding, mentorship, and national exposure.
The campaign is facilitated by Catch Bangladesh, with Mission Green Bangladesh leading field activation and community engagement, the release added.
Applications are open via the BLUE Platform (www.wateraid.org/bd/blue), encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to contribute to building a cleaner, climate-resilient, and sustainable Bangladesh.
