The University of Dhaka is proud to announce the implementation of the “Capacity Building of Universities in Bangladesh to Promote Youth Entrepreneurship (CREATIVE Bangladesh)” project—an ambitious national initiative designed to strengthen Bangladesh’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through enhanced education, research, and capacity development.

Spearheaded by the Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Center, this project marks a transformative step toward positioning the University of Dhaka as a leading hub for innovation-driven learning and youth entrepreneurship in the country.

Project Overview

The CREATIVE Bangladesh project, with a total budget of Tk 935 million, has been approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) and is now under active implementation. The project is jointly executed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the University of Dhaka, with completion expected by June 2027.

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is contributing $7.5 million (Tk 825 million) as grant support—amounting to nearly 90 percent of the total project cost—under a cooperation framework established in a memorandum of understanding signed in January 2021.

Goals and Strategic Focus

The CREATIVE Bangladesh project is envisioned to enhance the national entrepreneurial landscape by:

• Strengthening entrepreneurship education infrastructure at leading universities
• Building institutional capacity through training, higher studies, and expert engagement
• Facilitating collaboration among government agencies, academia, and industry
• Developing a comprehensive national roadmap for effective entrepreneurship education
• Encouraging youth-led innovation and venture creation

Through these activities, the project aims to nurture the next generation of Bangladeshi innovators and entrepreneurial leaders.

Key Components

1. Infrastructure Development

The project includes developing state-of-the-art facilities at the University of Dhaka, such as:

• A newly constructed 1,248-square-metre vertical space dedicated to innovation
• Advanced 3D fabrication and computer laboratories
• A renovated 700-square-metre auditorium for events, training, and academic activities

These facilities will serve as an innovation hub for students, researchers, and young entrepreneurs.

2. Curriculum and Programme Development

• Creation of new modules and upgraded curricula for the Entrepreneurial Development Programme (EDP)
• Introduction of specialized academic and training programmes in innovation and entrepreneurship
• Development of a national roadmap outlining roles, responsibilities, and action plans for universities in entrepreneurship education

3. Capacity Building

The project will support:

• Training programmes for teachers, professionals, and aspiring young entrepreneurs
• International exposure and higher studies opportunities for selected participants
• Engagement of Korean experts to share global best practices

4. Innovation and Research Activities

A robust research and advocacy agenda includes:

• Conducting studies on entrepreneurship education in Bangladesh
• Publishing at least 40 international journal articles on innovation and entrepreneurship
• Awarding 7 funded PhD positions and 8 research fellowships

5. Entrepreneurship Development Initiatives

Throughout the project period, the ICE Center and partner institutions will host:

• Hackathons and innovation challenges
• Boot camps and entrepreneurship competitions
• Thematic sessions, workshops, and stakeholder dialogues
• Entrepreneurial community mapping exercises

These initiatives aim to inspire youth-led solutions, promote practical learning, and widen industry-academia collaboration.

External Source: https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/economy/tk-935m-financing-awaits-final-govt-approval

Expected Impact

The CREATIVE Bangladesh project is poised to significantly elevate the innovation and entrepreneurship capacity of Bangladeshi universities. For the University of Dhaka, it represents a major leap toward becoming the nation’s leading innovation hub—a center where creative ideas, technological skills, and entrepreneurial ambition converge.

By empowering youth with the right infrastructure, training, and global-standard curricula, the project supports Bangladesh’s vision of a dynamic, innovation-driven economy.

The University of Dhaka reaffirms its commitment to fostering a culture of creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship that will shape the next generation of national leaders and changemakers.