United International University (UIU) welcomed 150 bright and bold student innovators into Bangladesh’s largest student startup incubator program, LaunchPad by UIHP@UIU, marking a thrilling new chapter for the nation’s youth entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Held on 27 June, 2025, the orientation ceremony took place at the UIU Innovation Hub, a vibrant space on the 10th floor dedicated to research, innovation, and groundbreaking ideas. 

Organised under the University Innovation Hub Program (UIHP), part of the Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem Development (DEIED) Project by Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) and supported by the World Bank, this programme is crafted to nurture a culture of innovation among university students, alumni, and faculty across all disciplines. 

With a strong focus on entrepreneurship, this initiative empowers young minds to transform their ideas into impactful ventures by offering expert mentorship, hands-on support, and access to funding of up to Tk150,000.

A total of 44 teams have been selected under three cohorts, Innovation Cohorts 4, 5, and 6, with Cohorts 4 and 5 comprising 15 teams each and Cohort 6 consisting of 14 promising teams. Each team will be guided through a journey of growth and development, surrounded by a powerful network of innovators, mentors, and visionaries.

The orientation event brought together an impressive lineup of speakers who shared their insights, personal experiences, and valuable advice with the new cohort. Mr. Syed Fazle Farhan, Project Manager of UIHP, and Prof. Dr. Khondaker Abdullah-Al-Mamun, Director of IRIIC at UIU, kicked off the session with welcoming remarks. 

Their words set the tone for what promises to be an inspiring journey for the new participants. They were followed by prominent entrepreneurs and professionals including Mr. Fayadan Hossain, Co-Founder of Hishab; Mr. Khan Muhammad Saqiful Alam, Head of Analytics at BAT; Mr. Razin Mustafiz, Founder and CEO of Worklife; and Mr. Waliullah Bhuiyan, Founder and CEO of Light of Hope. Each speaker captivated the audience with stories of resilience, breakthrough innovation, and the importance of building with purpose.

Mentorship is a cornerstone of the LaunchPad experience, and this year’s programme boasts a dynamic panel of mentors including Khan Muhammad Saqiful Alam – Head of Analytics, BAT, Fayadan Hossain – Co-Founder, Hishab , Razin Mustafiz – Founder & CEO, Worklife, Waliullah Bhuiyan – Founder & CEO, Light of Hope, Sumaiya Mutiatur Rasul – Head of Communications, UIU, Nabila Nowrin – Founder & CEO, MOAR. 

Sumaiya Mutiatur Rasul shared her thoughts on the occasion, stating, “Felt great to be a mentor to IC 6 of the LaunchPad University Innovation Hub Program – UIU Cohort, a flagship startup incubation program of UIU and Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, financed by the World Bank. Hoping the best for the teams full of bright students under my watch, time to turn the long-forgotten strict teacher mood back.”

With over 150 bright minds stepping into the world of innovation, LaunchPad by UIHP@UIU marks the beginning of something truly exciting. It’s not just about building startups, it’s about building confidence, community, and the courage to try. 
As these students turn ideas into action, they’re not only shaping their own futures but also writing a new story of what student-led change can look like. The spark has been lit, and now, it’s time to see how far it can go.