Youth Co:Lab springboard 7.0 honours young changemakers

The Springboard 7.0, an event of Youth Co: Lab co-initiated by UNDP and Citi Foundation and implemented by Impact Hub Dhaka, was successfully held where a total of BDT 1,190,000 was awarded to the top three teams Green Dye, Robolife Technologies, and PlanPost AI in recognition of their innovative solutions to tackle the most pressing social and environmental challenges.

A shortlisted group of 9 teams from 177 applicants was invited to the Springboard 7.0 Bootcamp at BRAC Centre for Development Management (BCDM) in Savar, an intensive two-day program designed to sharpen their business strategies and equipping young social entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship, and connections needed to grow their enterprises. Following the boot camp, three teams were recognised for their innovation, business potential, and social impact.

The programme featured expert-led workshops, networking opportunities, and hands-on pitch training, helping participants refine their business models and develop compelling presentations for investors and stakeholders. The boot camp focused on key entrepreneurial skills, including refining business ideas, structuring sustainable models, and mastering pitch delivery. Participants received expert mentorship to strengthen their strategies and enhance their readiness for investment.

The programme culminated in a Pitch Competition, where teams presented their ventures to a panel of distinguished judges. The competing teams were PlanPost AI, GreenDye, Sundaram, More Tech Bangladesh, Robolife Technologies, Jotner Dokan, TriRE, Sonket, and Nohor IT, showcasing innovative solutions across various industries. Rumana Ahmed, Country Public Affairs Officer, Citi Bangladesh; Shaheen Siam, Founding Member & Chief Strategy Officer, Shop Up; Iffat Anjum, Head of Exploration, Accelerator Lab, UNDP; and Waheed R Chaudhuri, Investment Manager, IDLC Venture Capital, were present as judges at the event.

As the Implementing Partner of the 7th Cohort of Youth Co: Lab Springboard Program, Bishwamitra Chowdhury, Director at Impact Hub Dhaka, shared his welcome remarks, emphasising the significance of empowering young entrepreneurs in shaping the future. He said, "The skills you've developed and the networks you've built here will be vital as you continue to scale your ventures and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals."

For the closing remarks, Mahmudul Hasan, Program Manager at UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of impactful businesses in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of the startup ecosystem in Bangladesh's economy and praised the potential of the ventures showcased this year.

Afruza Tanzi, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Officer at UNDP Bangladesh said, "These innovative startups are not only creating jobs but are also actively contributing to the achievement of the SDGs, helping to build a more sustainable and inclusive future for Bangladesh and beyond. Youth Co: Lab is committed to facilitating the growth of youth-driven startups within the ecosystem."