Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) and Orange Corners Bangladesh (OCB) jointly organized an event titled ‘Ecosystem in Action: Powering Future Builders’. In this event, Orange Corners Bangladesh supported young entrepreneurs, representatives from the private sector, government, embassies and development agencies came together to ensure further support and engagement for youth in their innovative ventures and businesses.
The event, held at the Westin Hotel in Dhaka, provided young entrepreneurs with the opportunity to interact directly with investors, corporate leaders and various entrepreneurship support organizations. Through this, they were able to build the necessary connections for future investment, mentorship and market access.
The main attraction of the event was a discussion session, in which Kamal Qadir, Founder and CEO of bKash, and Javed Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh participated. The discussion was moderated by Sara Iqbal, Head of Impact Partners, Sajida Foundation.
The discussion covered leadership, business growth and the challenges of surviving as an entrepreneur in Bangladesh. Speakers discussed in detail how to make big decisions, build trust with regulators and stakeholders, navigate uncertainty and how to scale up businesses that create a positive impact with the private sector.
A notable highlight of the event was the ‘Trailblazer Gallery’, where five innovative startups from Orange Corners’ portfolio – BD Recycle Technologies, Drip Irrigation BD, Polka Flex, Aqualink Bangladesh and Watt Motors – presented their innovative and novel solutions. These initiatives are working in key sectors such as climate change mitigation, agricultural technology, eco-friendly transportation and circular economy. Through innovative solutions such as on-demand recycling services, solar-powered irrigation systems, biodegradable flex banners, environmental monitoring devices, and light electric vehicles, these young entrepreneurs are trying to find sustainable solutions to urgent problems through creativity and responsibility.
The chief guest of the event, Lutfe Siddiqui, Special Envoy for International Affairs of the Principal Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, warmly congratulated the entrepreneurs of Orange Corners for creating solutions that benefit society and strengthen the country’s economy. He praised their dedication and initiative.
Noting that the government seriously considers the role of young entrepreneurs in the country’s sustainable development and innovation, he said that initiatives like Orange Corners are in line with the country’s overall economic goals and youth development plan.
He called for closer cooperation between different sectors, saying that working together between the government, the private sector, entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurial support organizations will help Bangladesh reach its full potential.
The Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh, Andre Carstens, said, “Bangladesh’s youth are full of new ideas, tech-savvy and eager to solve social problems, which can play a big role in the country’s development. But talent and interest alone are not enough. Startups cannot grow alone, they need a suitable environment or ecosystem to thrive. The Netherlands has launched the Orange Corners program to create a supportive environment with the private sector, where early-stage entrepreneurs can grow. The participation of the private sector is very important here, as established businesses have the necessary ingredients such as experience, capital, networks and supply chains. Moreover, they can also be the first buyers of these new initiatives, making the whole process a win-win situation for everyone.”
Javed Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh, said, “At Unilever, we believe that it is important to ensure the leadership of the youth of Bangladesh in building a more sustainable, inclusive and tolerant future by harnessing their full potential. Our partnership with Orange Corners is a strategic investment that supports purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are finding solutions to real problems through innovation and collaboration. The businesses participating in this event are real examples of the innovative thinking and strong will of young people, which is needed for long-term change. We believe that it is essential for the private sector to have an active role behind these initiatives, and Unilever is ready to stand with the future leaders who can bring positive change to the next generation in Bangladesh and beyond.’
The event concluded with a meaningful networking session, where entrepreneurs had the opportunity to directly exchange views with potential partners, clients, investors and collaborators. This created the possibility of building future partnerships, as well as making their presence more visible in the domestic and international entrepreneurial environment. It was a special opportunity for the private sector to connect with early-stage emerging startups that are market-ready and working on effective and impactful solutions in key sectors of the country.
