From revolutionising education to transforming underwater inspections, youth-led startups in Bangladesh are making waves with bold innovations and creative solutions.

The potential and passion of these entrepreneurs were on full display at the Youth Entrepreneurship Expo 2025, organised as part of the Bangladesh Investment Summit.

These startups, founded and led by young entrepreneurs, are already creating real-world impact and promising to shape a smarter, more efficient future.

From ed-tech and affiliate marketing to smart infrastructure and robotics, the ventures featured at the expo demonstrated not only business acumen but also a deep commitment to solving real-world problems.

Technowren, founded by Saiam Bin Islam Meshkat in Rajshahi, blends hardware innovation with creative customisation. The company offers 3D printing, laser cutting, and circuit manufacturing services.

"We want to empower local industries and individuals with precise, affordable and tech-based solutions," said Meshkat, who now leads a team of six.

Technowren reflects a growing trend among the youth in Bangladesh to explore hands-on engineering and manufacturing.

Faiza Zahin, founder of Ayykori, believes affiliate marketing is a tool for financial independence. The company, launched in 2023, has already partnered with over 350 brands to offer extra cashback opportunities to its 1.5 lakh users.

"We want to make 5 million people self-sufficient in the next three years," she said.

It's more than a business — it's a digital movement to redistribute value among everyday consumers, she said.

"For example, if you purchase anything online, you'll receive cashback on every purchase in addition to any discounts offered by the platform. If you promote the product or website to people you know, you can also earn money."

Artificial Intelligence Bangladesh, founded by Shahida Afrin in 2020, is another remarkable venture using technology for impact. The company's model is designed to increase children's digital skills while keeping their real-world curiosity alive.

With a focus on reducing children's screen time through after-school coding and robotics programmes, the company has already taught more than 2,000 students.

"We're not just teaching programming," Afrin said. "We're nurturing creativity, problem-solving, logical thinking, and mathematical ability — all through engaging, tech-based learning."

Meanwhile, Smart Build has taken a leap into smart urban development.

They integrate AI and IoT to help clients design and monitor building construction remotely, offering cost estimation, security design, and smart IT infrastructure.

"Our clients can inspect construction progress without physically visiting the site — even from abroad," said Shahab Uddin Riad, co-founder and CEO of the company.

Founded in 2023, Smart Build already employs 40 engineers and has completed projects with energy companies, achieving a 30 percent reduction in energy consumption through smart integration.

Another standout is Dubotech, co-founded by Sayantan Roy Arko. Emerging from BRAC University's award-winning underwater robotics team, Bracu Duburi, the startup focuses on developing indigenous ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) for underwater inspections.

"Our mission is to transform underwater inspections by developing indigenous ROV technology tailored to local needs while harnessing international standards," Arko said.

Their goal is to lead the underwater robotics industry in Bangladesh and provide cost-effective, safe, and efficient solutions for underwater environments.

Banglar Math is tackling one of the country's oldest education problems: the fear of math.

Founded in 2021, the startup offers a gamified, personalised math learning platform.

"Around 14 million students in Bangladesh struggle with math due to fear and outdated teaching methods," said Shahriar. "We transform this fear into fun through engaging content, personalised assessments and interactive kits," said co-founder Ahmed Shahriar.

The startup, which now has a team of 22 people, has been recognised by Finland-based education innovation organisation HundrED as one of the most impactful and scalable initiatives.

Banglar Math's long-term vision is to have its curriculum integrated into mainstream education. The startup also aims to help one million students within five years.

Adding a green dimension to this landscape, iPage Global is helping farmers make smarter decisions in the field.

The agri-tech startup provides advisory services, including when and how to apply fertiliser. It also helps with seed selection as well as the use of pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides.

"We're bringing precision agriculture to rural Bangladesh," said Imtiaz Hossain, the company's CTO.

Founded in 2021, iPage Global now works with 23,000 farmers and has a team of 32.

"Our target is to support 100,000 farmers across the country and beyond. We're eyeing expansion to other Asian markets," he added.

Rakibul Hassan, an AI enthusiast and top writer on the subject, said while visiting the stalls that it is encouraging to see the young generation prepared to attract global investors.

"It's a promising sign," he said.

"As global citizens, they are embracing cutting-edge technology and offering solutions not only for Bangladesh but for the world. Addressing global challenges will generate greater impact — and greater economic return — than focusing solely on local problems."