Staff Reporter : Unilever Bangladesh Limited(UBL), in partnership with Orange Corners Bangladesh (OCB), successfully hosted Ecosystem in Action: Powering Future Builders — a high-level event that brought together early-stage business supported by Orange Corner Bangladesh and leaders from the private sector, government, embassies, as well as development sector to drive engagement and support for Bangladeshi youth-led innovations and businesses.
Held at The Westin Dhaka, the event provided a dynamic platform for early-stage businesses supported by Orange Corners Bangladesh to engage directly with private sector leaders, investors, and ecosystem enablers, fostering connections that are critical for investment, mentorship, and market access.
The evening featured a fireside chat with Kamal Quadir, Founder and CEO of bKash, and Zaved Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh, moderated by Sarah Iqbal, Head of Impact Partners at SAJIDA Foundation. The conversation explored leadership, growth, and the challenges of entrepreneurship in Bangladesh,
offering candid insights into high-stakes decision-making, building trust with regulators and partners, navigating uncertainty, and the role of private sector engagement in scaling real, impact-driven businesses in Bangladesh.
A key highlight of the evening was the Trailblazer Gallery, where five innovative businesses from the Orange Corners portfolio – BD Recycle Technologies, Drip Irrigation BD, Polka Flex,
Aqualink Bangladesh, and Watt Motors, showcased bold solutions spanning climate resilience, agri-tech, green mobility, and circular economy. From on-demand recycling services and solar-powered drip irrigation systems to biodegradable flex banners, real-time environmental monitoring tools, and lightweight electric vehicles, these businesses are tackling urgent challenges with ingenuity and purpose.
The Chief Guest, Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, congratulated the Orange Corners entrepreneurs for their dedication to building solutions that serve society and strengthen the national economy.
In his remarks,
Mr. Siddiqi emphasized the government’s recognition of youth entrepreneurship as a key driver of inclusive growth and innovation. He highlighted how initiatives like Orange Corners align with the country’s broader economic vision and youth development goals.
Calling for deeper integration across sectors, he urged greater collaboration between government, the private sector, entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurship support organizations to unlock Bangladesh’s full potential.
H.E. Andre Carstens,
Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh said, “The youth of Bangladesh is full of fresh ideas, technologically savvy, willing to solve social challenges and to help Bangladesh grow. But talent and such a drive is not enough. Startups do not grow in isolation, they grow in ecosystems.
The Netherlands initiated Orange Corners to create such an ecosystem by working together with the private sector to support these early-stage entrepreneurs. Private sector involvement is key as the established businesses community has the experience, access to capital,
networks and supply chains they need. Moreover, they can also act as first customers, turning the whole picture into an overwhelming win-win.” Zaved Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh said, “At Unilever,
we are committed to unlocking the full potential of Bangladesh’s youth by enabling them to become the architects of a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. Our partnership with Orange Corners is a strategic investment in purpose-led entrepreneurship, one that addresses real challenges through innovation and collaboration. The businesses shown here exemplify the ingenuity and determination needed to drive systemic change.
We believe the private sector must play a catalytic role in nurturing this ecosystem, and we stand ready to support these future leaders as they scale solutions that can shape Bangladesh, and beyond for generations to come.”
The event concluded with a vibrant networking session, where founders engaged directly with prospective partners, clients, investors, and collaborators; laying the groundwork for future partnerships and greater visibility within the national and international ecosystem. For the private sector, this event offered a unique opportunity for early access to emerging businesses that are building market-ready, impact-driven solutions across critical industries.