Build Bangladesh
Impact Accelerator · Oporajita Partner
Visit Needle Innovation Challenge
Our Role in Oporajita
Build Bangladesh leads the Needle Innovation Challenge (NIC) — a multi-year startup program for the RMG industry. It backs entrepreneurs with tailored curricula, coaching, mentoring, and grants to build scalable, circular solutions that lift the sector's competitiveness while protecting the livelihoods of women garment workers.
The Needle Challenge,
Step by Step.
Needle Innovation Challenge
Brand Identity
Named the fund 'Needle Innovation Challenge' — a nod to the single needle that began Bangladesh's RMG story.
Six Themes
Defined six solution areas: material innovation, circular solutions, retail models, assistive tech, dyeing & finishing, and cross-sector models.
Website Launch
Built needlechallenge.com as the information hub and application portal.
University Campaign
Partnered 23 university clubs across 7 divisions; 20 sessions reached 1,496 students.
Call for Applications
Received 81 idea-stage applications — 26 from female-led teams.
Ideathons
Four ideathons in Dhaka & Chattogram drew 62 teams and 115 participants.
First Bootcamp
A jury selected 11 teams for a 5-day residential bootcamp of training, mentorship, and pitching.
MVP Phase
The 11 teams build prototypes ahead of the second residential bootcamp.
Moments from the Field.
