a2i is poised to transition into a full-fledged agency with the successful passage of the Agency to Innovate (a2i) Bill 2023 in parliament, ushering in a new era of technological innovation in Bangladesh. a2i will advance new, mission-driven policies while continuing its 'whole-of-government' approach to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Vision 2041. |
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The Covid-19 Telehealth Centre secured the WSIS Prize 2023 in e-Health category, revolutionizing healthcare by providing nationwide access to doctor consultations, medical advice, and booking COVID-19 tests over a phone call during the pandemic. |
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ekShop won the coveted SDG Digital GameChangers Award in the 'Prosperity' category as the world's first integrated assisted rural e-commerce platform. |
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a2i proudly attained the ISO 9001:2015 Governance of Procurement Management Systems certification, demonstrating its commitment to rigorous international procurement standards and ensuring excellence in its procurement practices. |
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a2i promotes home-grown initiatives with localized solutions in public service delivery as well as social problems through a2i Innovation Fund. By actively soliciting engagement from government officials, the private sector, and citizens, it addresses localized problems, offering robust incubation support, encompassing capital infusion, mentorship, legal counsel, and intellectual property assistance, and supports scale up solutions nationwide. |
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During the UN HLPF 2023, Bangladesh spearheaded discussions on reducing the digital divide in the 'Renewed Partnership in South-South and Triangular Cooperation' session. Emphasizing challenges faced by developing nations, the event highlighted inclusive solutions, attracting diverse participants globally to ensure #ZeroDigitalDivide.
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The inception of the e-Quality Centre is more than an institutional venture; it is the monument of our nation's aspirations, and the symbol of our commitment to a world where technology is an equalizer & progress is collective.
Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, MP
Hon'ble Minister
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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In September, at a high-level side event during the 78th UN General Assembly, the e-Quality Centre for Inclusive Innovation and equality through e-quality research report were officially launched. The launch event witnessed the awarding of the International ICT Innovation (i3) facility fund to Gambia, Uganda, Ghana, Somalia, and São Tomé and Príncipe. These grants will support the development and testing of customized digital solutions tailored to the specific needs of each country.
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Global Campaign to Ensure #ZeroDigitalDivide
Envisaging a world that leaves no one behind, the #ZeroDigitalDivide Campaign was launched as a resolute commitment to eradicate the global digital gap. Unveiled in the presence of ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP and Kanni Wignaraja, this campaign, in collaboration with UNDP and PCI (People Centered Internet) was a clarion call with a mission to foster global collaboration for digital equity. This 360-campaign includes film challenges, social media advocacy, digital literacy and awareness, and thought leadership across print, new, and digital media channels. Additionally, a special Television series titled Mission 2041: I am the Solution aired to explore the nation's vision to achieve inclusive society.
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We often use examples of Bangladesh in other countries. The country is showing what is possible, and we have heard some amazing examples like the Digital Centres.
Kanni Wignaraja
UN Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator and
Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific
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The DPI and AI for #ZeroDigitalDivide conference showcased Bangladesh's ambitions for a more equitable future by harnessing technology. This two-day event celebrated the nation's pioneering efforts in building Smart Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), paving the way for a future where everyone benefits from the power of digital inclusion. The conference addressed bridging the digital divide, exploring how responsible AI development and cutting-edge DPI can work together to create a more prosperous and equitable tomorrow. |
After the implementation of Digital Bangladesh, the country is moving towards building Smart Bangladesh. Bangladesh is now one of the fastest-growing countries in the world. However, the digital divide needs to be bridged to ensure the sustainable development.
M. A. Mannan, MP
Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Planning
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10-point Dhaka Declaration 2023
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1. Equity in Digital Access
2. Harnessing the Power of DPI and AI
3. Responsible AI for Global Benefits
4. Collaboration, Partnership, and Alliances
5. North-South and South-South-North Triangular Cooperation
6. Education and Digital Literacy
7. Inclusion for Frugal Innovation
8. Financial Inclusion
9. Technological Framework for Responsible AI
10. Gender Inclusion
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Bangladesh joins on
50-in-5 Campaign
Bangladesh joined the 50-in-5 advocacy campaign, becoming one of 11 ‘First Mover’ nations to accelerate the global adoption of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) by sharing learnings, best practices, and technologies. The campaign launched in collaboration with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure, Co-Develop, Digital Public Goods Alliance, and UNDP, supported by GovStack, the Inter-American Development Bank, and UNICEF. |
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When countries come together to build DPI, we will see much less reinvention of the same wheel. We’ll see cost cutting, time cutting, mistake cutting, and bug cutting.
Anir Chowdhury
Policy Advisor
Aspire to Innovate-a2i
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SATHI Network: Promoting Financial Inclusion for Women
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SATHI network are breaking down barriers for rural women who previously faced challenges accessing financial services. By serving as banking agents, over 400 women entrepreneurs directly served 260,000 marginalized women to open bank accounts, fostering their path to financial independence. On International Women's Day, 'Best Entrepreneur Award' was honored for their exceptional contributions throughout the year.
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Innovations for a Smart Bangladesh
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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina unveiled five Smart initiatives : Smart 333 - integrating AI into the national helpline; Smart Pregnancy Monitoring System for advanced maternal care; Smart e-Trade License streamlining business approvals; the Noipunno App revolutionizing student assessment; and ekPass offering seamless nationwide e-toll collection. Additionally, 209 services were added to the government service platform MyGov.
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Empowering Tomorrow Growing Skills, Unlocking Careers
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A nationwide Smart Career Guidance Network was launched, connecting over 50 public and private universities. The platform has successfully engaged tens of thousands of students, resulting in over 10,000 job opportunities. The NISE skills-to-jobs matchmaking platform has welcomed over 500,000 young people in 2023, generating employment opportunities for over 100,000 skilled individuals.
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Disability-Inclusive Smart Bangladesh
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Through the
implementation of the guideline, all digital service would ensure accessibility of both public and private organizations for an inclusive society.
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The a2i Journey : Making Digital Innovation Work for the Poor
Digitalizing Lives Towards Smart Bangladesh
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