Build Bangladesh officially launched Needle Accelerator Phase 2 yesterday in Dhaka, gathering top RMG leaders, startup founders, and investors to push sustainable solutions for Bangladesh's apparel industry. The ceremony showcased 16 innovative RMG startups from the first phase, highlighting breakthrough technologies that could reshape the sector.
"We are not only eliminating poverty, we are elevating it to prosperity and transforming investees into investors," said Architect Farhadur Reza, President of Build Bangladesh. "Our goal is to become the first 21st-century unicorn by supporting a billion people to raise a billion-dollar fund."
The accelerator focuses on five key areas: alternative materials, organic dye, assistive technologies, circular fashion, and clean energy. Dr. Tahmeed Ahmed, named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential Global Health Professionals in 2025, praised startup Green Dye's work with bacteria-produced dyes. "Previously, we thought bacteria only harmed our bodies. Now, we have bacteria that can produce dyes and colors for the RMG industry," he said.
Phase 1 achieved impressive results, engaging 4,090 startup ideas across 2023-2024 with 44% year-on-year growth. From 4,500 entrepreneurs, 204 startups were shortlisted and 21 advanced to pre-seed funding. The program operates through partnerships with H&M Foundation Sweden and The Asia Foundation, connecting innovators across 46 tech universities nationwide.
Industry leaders showed immediate interest in collaborating. Abdul Muktadir, Chairman of Incepta Pharmaceuticals, requested Green Dye's founder to explore full automation possibilities, while BKMEA's Mansur Ahmed highlighted demand for traceability solutions that startups like GarbageMan can provide.Build Bangladesh officially launched Needle Accelerator Phase 2 yesterday in Dhaka, gathering top RMG leaders, startup founders, and investors to advance sustainable solutions for Bangladesh's apparel industry. The ceremony showcased 16 innovative RMG startups from the first phase, highlighting breakthrough technologies that could reshape the sector.
"We are not only eliminating poverty, we are elevating it to prosperity and transforming investees into investors," said Architect Farhadur Reza, President of Build Bangladesh. "Our goal is to become the first 21st-century unicorn by supporting a billion people to raise a billion-dollar fund."
The accelerator focuses on five key areas: alternative materials, organic dye, assistive technologies, circular fashion, and clean energy. Dr. Tahmeed Ahmed, named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential Global Health Professionals in 2025, praised startup Green Dye's work with bacteria-produced dyes. "Previously, we thought bacteria only harmed our bodies. Now, we have bacteria that can produce dyes and colors for the RMG industry," he said.
Phase 1 achieved impressive results, engaging 4,090 startup ideas across 2023-2024 with 44% year-on-year growth. From 4,500 entrepreneurs, 204 startups were shortlisted and 21 advanced to pre-seed funding. The program operates through partnerships with H&M Foundation Sweden and The Asia Foundation, connecting innovators across 46 tech universities nationwide.
Industry leaders showed immediate interest in collaborating. Abdul Muktadir, Chairman of Incepta Pharmaceuticals, requested Green Dye's founder to explore full automation possibilities, while BKMEA's Mansur Ahmed highlighted demand for traceability solutions that startups like GarbageMan can provide. Strategic partners include BGMEA, Startup Bangladesh, and multiple textile organizations.
The program targets startups developing sustainable plant-based fibers, converting textile waste into valuable products, leveraging AI and blockchain for automation, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting renewable energy in factories. Mr. Erad Kawsar, Director of Build Bangladesh, noted the accelerator serves as "a home ground for future leaders of Bangladesh's RMG sector."
Phase 2 aims to accelerate startup growth with support from the RMG Angel Network, positioning Bangladesh's garment industry at the forefront of global sustainable textile manufacturing.