A roundtable discussion on the topic 'The role of university incubators in fostering Bangladesh's startup ecosystem' was recently organised by NSU Startups Next (NSUSN) at North South University. 

The discussion invited academics, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, and aimed to provide dialogue on the sustainability of university incubation programs. The discussion brought forward the need for university-driven incubation models for local startups, which are essential in providing entrepreneurs with access to mentorship, funding, and policy support. 

As per a press release, the panel discussion featured Prof. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury (Vice-Chancellor, NSU), Prof. Abdur Rob Khan (Pro-VC In-Charge, NSU), Rahat Ahmed (Founder & Managing Partner, Anchorless Bangladesh), Waiz Rahim (Venture Partner, Sturgeon Capital), and Monjur Mohammad Shahriar (Project Director, DEIED-Project, BHTPA). 

In addition, NSU alum entrepreneurs Anayet Rashid (Founder & CEO of Truck Lagbe) and Fahad Ifaz (Co-founder and CEO of iFarmer) shared their experiences and insights into navigating Bangladesh's startup ecosystem, states a press release.

Some of the themes discussed were: fostering university-led innovation, addressing sustainability challenges, strengthening public-private partnerships, expanding regional incubation programs, and developing policy frameworks, adds the press release.