UNDP- FBCCI-IRC empower green startups to drive circular economy

As Bangladesh adopts circular economy solutions to enhance competitiveness and minimise waste in export sectors, the UNDP Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Innovation & Research Centre (FBCCI-IRC), has launched the Green Startup Grant to support young innovators developing circular economy solutions in plastics.

Supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) through the UNDP-implemented Plastics Circularity Project, the initiative provides financial and technical support to early-stage startups. The launch took place during a high-level policy dialogue on "Circular Economy and SDG for Industry and Export Growth" at the FBCCI-IRC Centre in Dhaka, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and development partners to discuss embedding circularity in plastics, textiles, and packaging to boost export competitiveness. For this inaugural round, ten startups were selected, each receiving 5 lakh BDT to scale solutions ranging from renewable energy and recycling innovations to eco-friendly consumer products and sustainable agri-business models, highlighting the diverse potential of circular entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. Speaking as Chief Guest, Adilur Rahman Khan, Honourable Adviser to the Ministry of Industries, said, "For Bangladesh, transitioning to a circular economy is not a choice; it is a necessity.

Our strategy is to remain competitive, reduce import dependency, attract clean investment, and expand sustainable exports. Startups are not just businesses; they are solutions to climate change, resource scarcity, and pollution." Sarder M. Asaduzzaman, Assistant Resident Representative and Head of the Resilience and Inclusive Growth Cluster at UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted UNDP's role in fostering innovation "UNDP is proud to support Bangladesh's transition to a circular economy through the Plastics Circularity Project and the Circularity Hub. By recognising emerging innovators with the Green Startup Grant, we are nurturing the next generation of industry leaders who will drive this green transition." Echoing this, Md. Jashim Uddin, Chairman of FBCCI-IRC, added "Our vision is to transform Bangladesh's industries through green and circular practices. By supporting startups and establishing a state-of-the-art Innovation Centre, we aim to ensure that future exports are not only competitive but also sustainable and globally respected."

The keynote speaker Dr M. Masrur Reaz, Chairman & CEO, Policy Exchange Bangladesh, highlighted the role of the circular economy in driving export growth. The event also featured a high-level panel discussion, during which participants emphasised that advancing plastics circularity requires stronger policies, fiscal incentives, and access to green finance. Collaboration among government, industry, entrepreneurs, and development partners will be crucial to scaling innovations and securing Bangladesh's leadership in sustainable, export-driven growth.