1. Seedstars Dhaka

Seedstars World, the global seed-stage startup competition for emerging markets and fast-growing startup scenes, has come to Bangladesh for the first time. Its pitching competition will be held on November 14.  So by the time you see this article it's already a bit late for applying. But you should definitely go there to see the best startups pitch in front of some of the hottest VCs and mentors in Dhaka. Seedstars primarily focuses on three major tracks: FinTech, TravelTech and StarTech. Each of these investment tracks will have a USD 500,000 equity prize for its winner

2. GP Accelerator

GP Accelerator is an accelerator program by Grameenphone and powered by SD Asia. This program will empower tech startups with the resources they need to build, grow, and 'go beyond'. During this programs 4-month long bootcamp, the startups will be getting BDT 1 million+ seed funding, workspace at GP House, expert mentors, top-notch curricula, GP's in-house development resources, investor access and credibility to boost the startups's businesses by creating valuable partnerships with onboard key customers of GP. The first batch of the program will work with 5 startups only.

Apply: http://www.grameenphoneaccelerator.com/apply
Deadline: December 31, 2015

3. Founder Institute

Founder Institute has been operating here Dhaka for about a year now. It is a very popular early-stage startup accelerator.  Roughly 1,850 technology founders have already launched companies with the help of this institute's company-building curriculum. So if you are building a technology company and willing to work hard on your startup then you are most welcomed to apply. Founder institute includes digital media, software, biotech, cleantech, ecommerce, advertising, consumer electronics, and more. Out of the first batch of 142 applicants who went through screening, two startups received USD 15,000 from Fenox Ventures.  If you plan to apply this is what you need to know: all applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply, the better your chances to get accepted and the sooner you will hear our decision. After completing the application, you will be invited to take a Predictive Admissions Test. This test is continually calibrated to identify entrepreneurial personality traits.

Apply: http://fi.co/apply/2161
Deadline: November 22, 2015

4. Connecting Startups Bangladesh

Connecting Startups Bangladesh is a state-sponsored program that wants to connect startups to markets and investors by providing mentoring and incubation to promising startups. In addition to that the startups will also receive workspace, logistic support, training, opportunities and exposure to meet multiple VCs and other funds. Following a verification process, the selected startups will be called for an interview. From the applicants 10 startups with innovative ideas and international standards will be allotted operational space at the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park completely free of cost for a year. Other startups with potential can also hire space in the Software Park.

Apply: www.connectingstartupsbd.net/registration
Deadline: November 18, 2015

5. Startup Bangladesh

Startup Bangladesh is an initiative to catalyse a startup revolution in Bangladesh. It aids in the creation of a connection between the policies made and their implementation or practice. By joining this program, your business can become investment ready, reach new destinations by scaling up your business, and convert to online to offline and vice versa.

Apply: http://bit.ly/1HBYa19
Deadline: November 15, 2015

6. Innovation Xtreme

Innovation Xtreme (IX) 2015, a startup contest, is going to commence on December 5, 2015 for the second time. The day-long event by Grameenphone will be held at Radisson Hotel Dhaka. SDasia, the organiser of the event, plans to bring together the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem to showcase the potential of innovators and entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. This year the top 5 participating startups will have the opportunity to win a Facebook startup package worth USD 50,000.

Apply: goo.gl/MzZtll
Deadline: November 25, 2015

7. Startup Weekend Dhaka

Startup Weekend is a global grassroots movement of active and empowered entrepreneurs who are learning the basics of founding startups and launching successful ventures. It is the largest community of passionate entrepreneurs with over 1,800 past events in 120 countries around the world in 2014. This year, startup weekend is going to hold a 54-hour long event where anyone can join and pitch their startup idea. It will be held at Newscred, Inc. in Banani from November 19 to 21, 2015. Competition will be high as only 80 prospective entrepreneurs will be able to attend, and only 10 teams will be selected to work on their concepts.

Apply: http://bit.ly/1Lbw73J
Deadline: November 18, 2015 (limited seats)

8. Get in the Ring Bangladesh

Get in the Ring is a global startup competition which is really popular for their unique pitching concept. The most promising entrepreneurs fight with words for a spot in the National and Regional finals, to become the champion of Get in the Ring. During the competition, participating startups can connect to capital, talent, support, and expertise to help them on their journey to the top. For the first time, this event is going be held on December 29, 2015 in Dhaka at Daffodil International University. To participate in the competition, you can register online free of cost. Initially there will be a knockout round in front of a jury board. 

Apply: https://www.gitr.co/apply
Deadline: December 7th, 2015

Engineer-turned-writer, Shahriar Rahman is Sub-Editor of the tech publication of The Daily Star. He is also Head of Operations at HiFi Public