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Department of Innovation & Entrepreneurship:
DIU has established a dedicated Department of Innovation & Entrepreneurship to institutionalize entrepreneurial higher education in Bangladesh. This department aims to develop real entrepreneurs who can generate job opportunities and contribute to economic and social change. Over 30 students have successfully launched their own ventures or startup companies with the support of this department, showcasing DIU’s impact on local entrepreneurship.
https://daffodilvarsity.edu.bd/department/DE
Daffodil Startup Market:
DIU organizes the Daffodil Startup Market, a vibrant platform where innovative student startups can showcase and sell their products. This event, managed by the Department of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, fosters collaboration and networking among budding entrepreneurs. More than thirty students or groups have participated, gaining real-world business exposure and experience.
Entrepreneurial Development Fund (EDF):
To provide financial assistance, DIU has created the Entrepreneurial Development Fund, which offers interest-free loans to students for business development and initiation. This fund empowers students to scale their business ideas without the burden of financial constraints, promoting sustainable entrepreneurship among young innovators.
https://daffodilvarsity.edu.bd/department/de/article-detail/edf-de
Daffodil Business Incubator (DBI):
The Daffodil Business Incubator offers office space and other official support services to both students and local youth entrepreneurs. This initiative is crucial for those who do not have their own office space. Entrepreneurs can use the DBI address as their business address, benefiting from an established infrastructure that helps in scaling their ventures. This support structure is instrumental in fostering a nurturing environment for startups to grow and thrive.
https://incubator.daffodilvarsity.edu.bd/
Partnership with BCIC for Entrepreneurial Support:
The Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BCIC) launched an Entrepreneurial Support Center at DIU. This collaboration, under the Ministry of Industries, is aimed at nurturing student entrepreneurs and promoting small and medium-sized industries. The initiative aligns with the goal of fostering economic growth and industry innovation, providing additional mentorship and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.
International Collaborations and Workshops:
DIU regularly organizes workshops and international collaborations that focus on enhancing entrepreneurial skills. For example, the “Youthpreneurship: Empowering the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow” event inspired and guided students by bringing in successful professionals to share their expertise. These workshops align with sustainable economic development goals and prepare students to launch impactful ventures.
SEEP Program for Social Entrepreneurship:
The Social Entrepreneurship Exposure Program (SEEP) 2024 at DIU brought together students and faculty from Mumbai's Kohinoor Business and Management Schools. This program focused on fostering social entrepreneurship and international collaboration, which enhances students’ understanding of building socially responsible and sustainable businesses.
Global Networking Opportunities:
DIU facilitates networking events like WS Startup Day Bangladesh 2023, where over 150 students and entrepreneurs engage with industry leaders. Such events provide students with insights into current trends in entrepreneurship, cloud computing, and sustainable business practices. These experiences are crucial for students to learn and apply best practices in building successful and sustainable startups.
Workshop and Training:
Masterclass on "How to Pitch a Business Idea to Stakeholders":
On October 22, 2024, DIE hosted a Masterclass with Mr. Sadman Sadik, an esteemed entrepreneur, who delivered a session on effectively pitching business ideas to stakeholders. The event was designed to enhance students' presentation skills and equip them with strategies to attract investors and collaborators. This initiative reflects DIU’s dedication to providing real-world skills and training to aspiring entrepreneurs
Uddokta 101 Graduation Ceremony:
The Uddokta 101 program, organized in collaboration with BRAC Bank TARA, celebrated the graduation of aspiring entrepreneurs on September 30, 2024, at DIU’s International Conference Hall. This partnership underscores DIU’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of business leaders. The program provided participants with knowledge, skills, and resources to launch and grow sustainable businesses, emphasizing the importance of community-based entrepreneurship.
Seminar on Export & Import Basics:
On September 23, 2024, DIE organized a seminar titled "Introduction to Export & Import Basics," featuring Mr. Jahid Hussain, CEO of Export Sheba, as the keynote speaker. The session, held in the Marketing Lab, educated students on the fundamentals of global trade, equipping them with knowledge crucial for expanding their future businesses internationally. This seminar is part of DIU’s ongoing efforts to prepare students for global entrepreneurship
Masterclass with Founders of 55+ Companies:
DIU hosted a day-long Masterclass on September 9, 2024, led by Dr. Sabur Khan, Honorable Chairman of the Daffodil Family and a renowned entrepreneur. The event brought together founders from over 55 companies, providing students with insights on business strategy, idea generation, networking, and overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship. The interactive session included a Q&A segment and discussions about DIU’s UAE Campus, offering students exposure to international business opportunities.
Speed Networking Event for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
Organized by GEN Bangladesh, this Speed Networking Event, held in collaboration with DIE, facilitated connections among aspiring entrepreneurs. As the knowledge partner, DIU played a significant role in creating a platform for budding entrepreneurs to share insights, gain valuable mentorship, and access resources essential for their business growth.
International Partnership with PAR University of Applied Sciences, Croatia:
On July 6, 2024, DIU signed a partnership agreement with PAR University of Applied Sciences, Croatia, to promote student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and support for women entrepreneurship. This collaboration includes participation in Erasmus+ programs and various academic and business development initiatives. The partnership enhances DIU’s ability to offer international exposure and resources to student entrepreneurs, strengthening their global business acumen and fostering sustainable business practices.
Masterclass on Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship:
DIE is hosting an upcoming masterclass on innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship featuring Dr. Aliar Hossain, Head of Department for MSc Advanced Practice at Northumbria University, London, UK. This event aims to inspire and educate students on creative problem-solving and innovative business strategies, providing them with the tools to become successful and socially responsible entrepreneurs.
Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship has successfully organized Children Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 2024 in association with Innokids on June 7, 2024 at Daffodil Smart City.
Children Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 2024:
On June 7, 2024, DIE, in collaboration with Innokids, organized the Children Entrepreneurship Bootcamp at Daffodil Smart City. This bootcamp aimed to introduce young minds to entrepreneurship and foster creativity from an early age. The event featured fun and educational activities designed to inspire innovation and teach the basics of entrepreneurship, ensuring that even the youngest members of the community are exposed to the concepts of sustainable business and economic empowerment