FAQ

  • Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, teams, innovators or early-stage startups with innovative and scalable ICT based business ideas across any sector can apply.
  • The iDEA Startup Grant is a non-equity, non-repayable grant of up to BDT 10 lakh provided to innovative ICT based startups in Bangladesh. The grant is aimed at supporting early-stage startups to validate their ideas, build MVPs, develop themselves, market and scale their operations.
  • Interested startups can apply online through the official website of iDEA. The application form must be filled with accurate business information, pitch deck, and other supporting documents as per the mentioned in the service section of the iDEA website.
  • iDEA supports startups with innovative, impactful, and scalable ideas specially those that use technology to solve local problems, challenges and have the potential for economic and social impact.
  • Startups are evaluated based on innovation, scalability, team capability, business model, market potential, impact, and feasibility. A selection committee reviews each application carefully.

No. The iDEA grant is non-equity and non-repayable. Startups do not need to return the money or give up any equity in their company.

  • The grant needs to be used for prototype development, product design, marketing, legal setup, business operations, team building, and other related startup expenses which is subject to approval from the iDEA authority and periodic reporting.
  • The process typically takes 2 to 3 months after the submission of an application. This essentially includes screening, pitching, evaluation, and final selection.
  • Yes. Selected startups receive mentorship, training, networking opportunities, and access to government and private sector stakeholders to help accelerate their growth.
  • No. Startups that have already received the iDEA Startup Grant are not eligible to apply again. However, they may qualify for other support programmes under the iDEA project.
  • Yes. You can apply for the SME Grant even if you are not affiliated with any business association or network.
  • Any startup can apply for the coworking space. We support with coworking space to any eligible Bangladeshi startup.
  • No, they don’t need to pay for the coworking space.
  • Any startup may have maximum 3 seats at a time.

Please visit www.idea.gov.bd to apply for coworking space

  • The SME Grant is an initiative by the iDEA Project offering BDT 50,000 to eligible ICT-based small and medium entrepreneurs (SME Entrepreneur) to develop or enhance their businesses through innovation, digital tools, and capacity building.
  • SME অনুদান হল iDEA প্রকল্পের একটি উদ্যোগ যা যোগ্য ICT-ভিত্তিক ক্ষুদ্র ও মাঝারি উদ্যোক্তাদের (SME Entrepreneur) উদ্ভাবন, ডিজিটাল সরঞ্জাম এবং সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধির মাধ্যমে তাদের ব্যবসার উন্নয়ন বা উন্নতির জন্য ৫০,০০০ টাকা প্রদান করে।
  • Any Bangladeshi ICT-based SME entrepreneur with a valid NID or Birth Certificate, active Trade License, online business presence, and one year of financial activity (Bank or MFS statement) is eligible.
  • The grant amount of BDT 50,000 is disbursed in one single installment via an account-payee cheque to the applicant’s or business’s bank account.
  • Applications must be submitted online through the official link provided in the public notice on the iDEA website or social media pages. Physical submission is no accepted.

Applicants must submit:

  • Photocopy of NID or Birth Certificate;
  • Trade License;
  • Business overview and future plan;
  • Grant utilization plan;
  • Bank or MFS statement (minimum 1 year); and
  • Valid contact details.
  • No. An entrepreneur who has already received the SME Grant is not eligible to apply again.
  • No. All applications will go through a verification and evaluation process. Only those candidates recommended by the Selection Committee will receive the grant.
  • Yes. A valid bank account in the name of the applicant or their business is mandatory, as the grant is disbursed via account-payee cheque.
  • Yes. Selected entrepreneurs will be required to submit progress updates, and they may also receive mentorship support from the iDEA Project to ensure effective use of the grant.
  • The Free Co-Working Space is an initiative by the iDEA Project that offers modern and collaborative working environments for startups and entrepreneurs in the ICT and innovation sectors, free of cost for up to 6 months.
  • Only startups or entrepreneurs operating in the IT, ICT, or innovation sectors are eligible. Applicants must also meet the document and application requirements as mentioned in the public notice.
  • Selected startups can use the co-working space for up to 6 months.

Facilities include:

  1. Free workspace access;
  2. High-speed internet;
  3. Meeting and conference rooms;
  4. Mentorship and corporate networking; and
  5. Access to the iDEA Lab.

The application process involves:

  1. Online application submission;
  2. Documents verification;
  3. Preliminary selection;
  4. Final approval by authority;
  5. Agreement signing and workspace allocation.

Applicants need to submit:

  1. Photocopy of Trade License/BIN (if available);
  2. Photocopy of TIN certificate;
  3. NID or Passport of the founder;
  4. Grant agreement copy (if already a receiver of the iDEA grant of iDEA); 
  5. Non-judicial stamp of BDT 300 for the agreement.
  • No. While previous grant recipients are eligible, startups that have not received an iDEA grant can also apply for the co-working space.
  • Usually, no. However, in special or exceptional circumstances, the application for renewal can be considered.

  • No fees are charged for the space usage. However, a BDT 300 non-judicial stamp is required at the time of agreement signing.
  • Selected startups must strictly follow the Co-Working Space Guidelines set by the iDEA Project. Misuse of the facilities or violation of rules may result in cancellation of the allocation without further consideration.
  • The iDEA Lab supports startups and innovators in developing and testing their hardware products using hi-tech equipment and facilities which is completely free of cost except the raw materials.
  • The lab is open to hardware-based startups, young entrepreneurs, and researchers engaged in innovation and product development.
  1. Hardware prototype development and testing;
  2. Technical advice and guidance;
  3. Functional, non-functional, usability, performance, and compatibility testing; and
  4. R&D support for implementing innovative ideas.
  • Yes. The intended user must apply online through the iDEA Lab Reservation system and receive approval from the iDEA authority before using the lab.
  • A maximum of two (02) startups can use the lab facilities simultaneously to ensure smooth operation and optimal use of a lot of equipment and facilities.
  • No. The lab is free for startups, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. However, Fees apply only in case of commercial usage by established enterprises, companies, or businesses.

  • Only the cost of raw materials must be covered by the startup. No additional fees are required for PCB design, milling, or equipment usage.

  • The service recipient (startup or individual) is responsible for the reimbursement of any damage caused to lab equipment during usage.
  • All collected data and information are securely stored and protected under a strict privacy protocol to ensure confidentiality.
  • Yes. The iDEA Lab adheres to IP laws and ensures the secured handling and storage of test data, documentation, and prototypes.