Sustain Launch Labs (SLL) and Experts Academy Limited (EAL) successfully organized the Startup Showcase to spotlight promising startups led by young entrepreneurs tackling climate change, driving sustainable development, and addressing pressing social challenges.

The event was graced by Lt. Gen. (retd) Abdul Hafiz, SBP, ndc, psc, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Bangladesh, as Chief Guest, and H.E. Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, as Guest of Honor. Other distinguished attendees included Brigadier General (retd) Md Sirajul Islam Sikder, Advisor of EAL; M. Mahfuzur Rahman, Chairman of EAL and former Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank. Over 150 guests, including founders, investors, industry experts, and changemakers, attended.

EAL financially supported the whole programme and awarded cash prizes to the top three startups from the participating ventures:

• • 1st Place – PinkLifeLine: AI-powered breast cancer self-testing platform aiming to reduce mortality rates by 30%.
• • 2nd Place – Felight: Solar-powered floating lights supporting eco-friendly fish farming in climate-vulnerable regions.
• • 3rd Place – VisionX: AI-assisted wearable device for visually impaired individuals.

Notable remarks came from Lt. Gen. (retd) Abdul Hafiz, who encouraged startups to persevere; Hasan Rahman, Founder of EAL, who stressed sustainable financing in the long run; and Fahim Shahriar, CEO & Co-founder of Sustain Launch Labs, who emphasized market research and validation of their product.

A highlight of the program was the high level Expert Panel Discussion: “Empowering Impact Startups: Bridging Gaps to Build a Thriving Innovation Ecosystem” led by SLL. The panel brought together six seasoned leaders who not only shared deep insights into fostering innovation but also served as judges for all Top 7 Startup Pitches presented during the event. The panel included:

• • Chowdhury Mohammad Wasiuddin – Managing Director, Experts Academy Limited
• • Tasnua Shelley – Head of Chambers, Justicia Legal Minds
• • Asif U Ahmed – Director, Graduate Business Program, University of Liberal Arts

Bangladesh (ULAB)

• • Shahana Sharmin – Project Manager, iDE Bangladesh.
• • Ashfaque Kabir – Private Sector Coordinator, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
• • Hosna Ferdous Sumi – Senior Private Sector Specialist, The World Bank

Through their combined expertise in law, academia, development, nutrition, finance, and entrepreneurship, the panelists provided both constructive feedback to participating teams and strategic perspectives on scaling impact-driven startups in Bangladesh.

Held just before International Youth Day, the Startup Showcase highlighted the transformative power of youth-led innovation. This incredible event was only possible because of the student-led volunteers and the dedicated organizing committee — the heart and soul of SLL.