NSU launches 3rd startup cohort to boost student-led innovation

North South University (NSU) launched the 3rd cohort of its flagship incubation initiative, NSU Startups Next (NSUSN), at a ceremony held on its Dhaka campus on Wednesday (9 July), reinforcing the university's growing role in Bangladesh's innovation and entrepreneurship landscape.

The event formally inducted a new group of high-potential startup teams into NSUSN's structured incubation programme and brought together top government officials, venture capital leaders, corporate innovators, startup founders, and academia.
This year's cohort comprises ventures across health tech, fintech, ed tech, logistics, and social enterprise, reflecting the diversity and ambition of Bangladesh's emerging startup ecosystem.

Backed by NSU's vision to transform academic innovation into market-ready ventures, NSUSN has supported over 25 early-stage startups since its inception, offering mentorship, business development support, market access, and capital linkage.
Speaking at the launch, NSU Vice-Chancellor Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said, "As an institution, we prioritise entrepreneurship development. Through initiatives like NSU Startups Next, we are creating a structured environment where innovation thrives and students are empowered to become job creators rather than job seekers."

Key government representatives present included Mr Murtuza Zulkar Nain Noman, Joint Secretary (Project Director), Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA), ICT Division; Mr Monjur Mohammad Shahriar, Project Director, DEIED Project, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA); and Mr Siddhartho Goswami, Head of Operations, iDEA, ICT Division.

Prominent investors in attendance included Mr Rahat Ahmed, Founder and Managing Partner of Anchorless Bangladesh, and Mr Waiz Rahim, Venture Partner (Bangladesh) at Sturgeon Capital.
"The female consumer market is one of the fastest-growing segments globally, and in Bangladesh," said Mr Rahat Ahmed. "To unlock its potential, we need more female founders who understand and represent this dynamic market."
Mr Samuel Mursalin, Director (In-Charge), NSU Startups Next, noted, "Even when we start 50 metres behind our regional peers, our entrepreneurs have the grit, creativity, and ambition to catch up—and often stand shoulder to shoulder. That's the spirit we nurture at NSUSN."

The 3rd cohort launch also featured a roadmap for 2025 and beyond, with an emphasis on industry-academia collaboration, global startup resource integration, and enhanced access to investment and policy support.
Board of Trustees members Mr M A Kashem and Mr Benajir Ahmed, along with Treasurer and Pro-Vice Chancellor (In-Charge), Prof. Abdur Rob Khan, were also present at the event.
With national support from iDEA, BHTPA, and other ecosystem partners, NSUSN continues to shape a university-driven startup ecosystem designed to power Bangladesh's next generation of changemakers.