The Dhaka University Entrepreneurship Development Club (DUEDC) began working on entrepreneurship-related initiatives on campus several years ago, though it was formally launched in 2019. The club works to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students of the University of Dhaka and to build connections with the industrial sector. Its core objective is to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world business experience.
The club organizes a range of activities, including startup and business analysis competitions, outreach programs, and publication initiatives. One of its flagship programs is “Skillneur,” through which students get the opportunity to acquire various skills directly from experienced professionals and entrepreneurs. Another initiative, “Powerpreneur,” allows students to analyze successfully operating startups in the market, helping them understand business models, strategies, funding mechanisms, and other key aspects.
DUEDC also runs “Creaventure,” a platform designed to transform students’ innovative ideas into real ventures. It brings together creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking. Creaventure activities include idea development sessions, mentorship programs, workshops, pitching sessions, and innovation competitions. These initiatives help students develop practical business plans, identify problems, analyze markets, and design effective solutions. At the same time, by connecting them with experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, the platform creates pathways to take ideas to the next level.
DUEDC has effectively become a factory for nurturing entrepreneurs. More than a hundred club members have already launched their own startups, and the number continues to grow. A major source of inspiration for members is the club’s moderator, Professor Rafiuddin Ahmed, who has long been working to cultivate entrepreneurial skills even among school-level students. His experience is considered a significant added value for the club’s members.
Club members are involved in businesses ranging from food and clothing to books and other products. Through various club events, they have had opportunities to meet and listen to successful figures from these sectors, which has further motivated them to pursue entrepreneurship.
Club President Sifat Al Rashid says,
“Financial support is our biggest limitation. We have many innovative ideas, but lack sufficient funding to move them forward. If we could present these ideas to investors through incubation centers or ideation hubs and secure initial investment, many more startups could emerge from here. In the future, I want to see the club become a nationally recognized ideation hub—one from which groundbreaking ideas will emerge and be implemented with administrative, governmental, and private-sector support.”
