Implementation Partner
Build Bangladesh
Impact Accelerator · Oporajita Partner
Visit Needle Innovation Challenge
In Oporajita
Our Role
The Needle Innovation Challenge (NIC), a multi-year startup program for Bangladesh's RMG industry, is led by Build Bangladesh. In Phase 2, the model is expanded with three new Challenge Funds through 2028. Entrepreneurs are backed with tailored curricula, coaching, mentoring, and grants, through which scalable, circular solutions are built. Launching the country's first RMG Angels' Network through which these innovations are funded and sustained for the long term. Through this work, the sector's competitiveness is lifted, and the livelihoods of women garment workers are protected through the shift to automation.
Activities & ImpactThe Needle Challenge,
The Needle Challenge,
Step by Step.
Needle Innovation Challenge
1
Selecting Universities & Building Campus Networks
Partner universities are selected and campus ambassador networks are activated, launching university campaigns that carry the Challenge Fund's call out to students nationwide.
2
Divisional IDEATHONs
IDEATHONs run across the country's divisions, inviting early-stage innovators to pitch ideas tackling the RMG sector's environmental and social challenges, capped off with a first progress report.
3
First Residential Bootcamp
Shortlisted innovators join a 5-day residential bootcamp to sharpen problem framing, business models and early prototypes.
4
Building the MVP
Seed funding is disbursed and innovators spend two months building and testing a Minimum Viable Product, backed by weekly 1:1 coaching.
5
Second Bootcamp
A second progress report marks the halfway point, followed by a second residential bootcamp where the strongest MVPs refine their business model and prepare for piloting.
6
Pilot Funding Disbursed
Over an eight week pilot phase, innovators refine their solutions on the ground, supported by ongoing coaching sessions.
7
Angel Network Onboarding
RMG industry leaders and investors are identified and onboarded into the Angels' Network, building a lasting funding pipeline for the innovators.
8
Meet the Leaders
Innovators sit down directly with sector leaders for hands on feedback, shaping more human centred, industry ready solutions.
9
Peer Buddy Network
Running alongside every later stage, innovators are paired up for peer learning, connecting those who advanced to pilot with those who didn't.
10
University Roadshows
Roadshows across eight partner universities bring innovators' stories back to campus, inspiring the next generation of applicants.
11
Demo Day & Scaling Up
With BGMEA's support, innovators pitch at Demo Day to investors and industry stakeholders, then get hands on help scaling their businesses and closing partnerships.
12
Final Report & Reset
The cycle closes with a final report and impact review, before the next Challenge Fund begins the cycle again.
In Pictures
Moments from the Field.
