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Case: Accelerating SaaS and Tech Innovation in Bangladesh 

 

Background

Bangladesh’s tech industry has great potential. The country is home to over 4,500 registered tech companies, employing more than 300,000 ICT professionals. However, the local Software as a Service (SaaS) ecosystem remains underdeveloped due to reliance on imported software, limited infrastructure, and skill gaps. Despite these challenges, there is immense potential for SaaS tailored to local needs in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, retail, and education.

 

Government initiatives such as the establishment of Hi-Tech Parks, tax incentives for IT companies, and investments in digital infrastructure are fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Local startups are attempting to meet specific market needs with scalable SaaS solutions but they are also facing challenges. To fully unlock Bangladesh’s SaaS potential, barriers like high upfront digital transformation costs, cybersecurity risks, and limited cloud adoption must be addressed.

 

Globally, emerging technologies like AI-driven automation, quantum computing, and spatial computing are reshaping industries. AI is enabling omnichannel customer experiences and predictive analytics; quantum computing is revolutionizing cryptography and drug discovery; and spatial computing is enhancing interactions between the physical and digital worlds. These trends highlight the need for Bangladesh’s tech sector to align with global demands by upskilling talent in areas like AI/ML, IoT development, and cybersecurity to remain competitive in the evolving global market

Key Challenges to Address

  1. Digital Transformation for SMEs: Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) struggle with adopting digital tools due to high costs and lack of expertise.
  2. Cybersecurity Risks: As businesses transition online, they face increased risks of cyberattacks due to limited awareness and preparedness.
  3. Cloud Adoption Barriers: Slow internet speeds and lack of affordable cloud services hinder SaaS adoption.
  4. Localized Needs: Many imported SaaS solutions fail to address the unique needs of Bangladeshi businesses (e.g., language barriers or local compliance requirements).

Example Solutions for Inspiration

  1. AgriTech SaaS for Farmers
    • A cloud-based platform offering real-time weather updates, crop price forecasting, and supply chain management.
    • Includes mobile app integration for rural farmers with offline functionality.
  2. SME Financial Management Tool
    • A subscription-based platform providing accounting, payroll management, and tax filing tailored for Bangladeshi SMEs.
    • Features Bangla language support and compliance with local regulations.
  3. Cybersecurity SaaS for SMEs
    • An affordable cybersecurity suite offering threat detection, data backup services, and employee training modules.
    • Uses AI to identify vulnerabilities in real-time.

 

Expected Outcomes

This hackathon aims to generate actionable ideas that can do any one of these:

  1. Empower SMEs with affordable digital tools tailored to their needs.
  2. Enhance cybersecurity awareness among Bangladeshi businesses.
  3. Foster innovation in sectors like agriculture or education through localized SaaS solutions.
  4. Strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a rising tech hub by creating scalable software innovations.
  1.  

Case: Advancing Health Informatics in Bangladesh

 

Background

Bangladesh’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Limited healthcare access, inefficient data systems, and the growing burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, including antibiotic resistance, strain the system.

Antibiotic resistance is a pressing global health crisis, with Bangladesh being one of the countries most affected due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. This issue requires innovative informatics solutions to improve monitoring, optimize prescription practices, and support public health interventions. Antibiotic resistance in Bangladesh has risen by 11% over five years, with resistance rates exceeding 80% for some commonly used antibiotics. The misuse of antibiotics is rampant, with 18% of households in Dhaka possessing antibiotics without prescriptions, contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In 2019 alone, AMR was associated with 98,800 deaths in Bangladesh, highlighting the gravity of the issue. 

Moreover, The doctor-to-population ratio is only 0.8 doctors per 1,000 people, far below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of 4.45 per 1,000.

Recognizing the potential of health informatics, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) is initiating a project to digitize patient records at upazila (sub-district) health complexes and integrate them into a centralized health information system. Despite progress with digital health tools like DHIS2 (District Health Information Software 2), challenges remain in integrating private sector data and ensuring platform interoperability. 

The government has initiated surveillance programs like the National Antibiotic Resistance Survey to monitor trends and inform policy decisions. There is a strong need to improve healthcare quality, accessibility, and efficiency while addressing specific challenges like antibiotic resistance.

Key Challenges to Address

  • Antibiotic Resistance: Develop systems to monitor, track, and analyze antibiotic use and resistance patterns.
  • Infrastructure Limitations: Address unreliable internet and outdated IT systems in rural areas.
  • Data Security: Ensure patient data privacy while meeting global standards.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Align diverse groups, including healthcare providers, government agencies, and local communities.
  • Capacity Building: Train healthcare workers to adopt and effectively use new tools.

Example Solutions for Inspiration

  1. Integrated Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring:
    • Embed a module in the EHR system to track antibiotic prescriptions and resistance trends.
    • Leverage AI to predict hotspots for resistance and guide public health actions.
    • Include educational mHealth tools for healthcare providers and patients about appropriate antibiotic use.
  2. Cloud-Based EHR Systems:
    • Enable secure, mobile access to patient records for rural healthcare providers.
    • Supports data integration and real-time decision-making across facilities.
  3. AI-Powered Clinical Decision Support:
    • Implement tools that assist providers in prescribing antibiotics responsibly.
    • Highlight alternative treatments to reduce overuse.
  4. Hybrid Paper-Digital Systems:
    • Use mobile apps for data entry during initial rollout while maintaining paper backups for reliability.
  5. Community Health Engagement:
    • Create dashboards for local health officials to monitor regional health trends, including antibiotic resistance.
    • Use gamification to promote awareness among patients and healthcare workers.

Reviewed and improved by:

  1. Awlad Hussain

Master of Health Informatics Candidate (Executive), University of Toronto

Master of Public Health (MPH), BRAC University  

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Shahjalal University of Science and Technology

  1. Md Jobaer Amin

Post Doctoral Research Fellow, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 

Master of Public Health (MPH), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Master of Public Health (MPH), American International University-Bangladesh 

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Ibrahim Medical college under University of Dhaka

References for the Case: Advancing Health Informatics in Bangladesh

Below are the references from the provided search results that are relevant to the case study:

  1. Antibiotic resistance in Bangladesh: A systematic review
  2. The prospect of health informatics in Bangladesh
  3. The burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Bangladesh
  4. Factors contributing to antibiotic misuse among parents of school-going children in Dhaka, Bangladesh
  5. Use of open-source applications in strengthening the health system and improving universal coverage in Bangladesh
  6. Implementation of information and communication technologies for health in Bangladesh
  7. Digitalization of routine health information systems in Bangladesh
  8. Antibiotic resistance in Bangladesh
  9. Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance in Bangladesh: The Pharmacists’ Role
  10. MS in Health Informatics at BUHS
  11. Advancing Healthcare Excellence: WHO’s Role in Developing the First National Medical Education Strategy in Bangladesh
  12. Digital health services in Bangladesh—The need for a sustainable design framework
  13. Bangladesh Health System Review
  14. Path to Transform Bangladesh’s Health System for Better Results
  15. Factors Driving Antimicrobial Resistance in Rural Bangladesh
  16. Health Informatics Bangladesh (HIBD)

Case: Advancing AI Governance Framework in Bangladesh

 

Background

Bangladesh needs to rapidly embrace artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across various sectors, but the country lacks comprehensive AI governance frameworks to ensure responsible development and deployment. This gap poses significant challenges related to intellectual property rights, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and ethical AI use.

Recent studies indicate that AI adoption in Bangladesh has grown by 35% in the past two years, with applications ranging from agriculture to finance. However, this rapid growth has outpaced regulatory measures, leading to concerns about data misuse and AI-related intellectual property disputes. In 2024, there were over 200 reported cases of AI-generated content infringing on copyrights, highlighting the urgent need for clear guidelines.

Bangladesh has initiated limited steps towards AI governance. However, implementation remains a challenge due to limited expertise and resources. The country’s AI readiness index score of 35.2 out of 100 underscores the need for significant improvements in policy and infrastructure.

Moreover, with only 0.2 AI researchers per million population (compared to the global average of 3.8), Bangladesh faces a critical shortage of AI expertise. This scarcity hampers the country’s ability to develop locally relevant AI solutions and governance frameworks.

Recognizing these challenges, Bangladesh needs efforts to establish a robust AI governance ecosystem. Despite progress in digital initiatives, significant hurdles remain in creating a balanced approach that fosters innovation while protecting rights and ensuring ethical AI use.

Key Challenges to Address

  1. Intellectual Property Rights: Develop guidelines for AI-generated content and inventions.
  2. Data Protection and Privacy: Create standards for data collection, storage, and use in AI systems.
  3. Ethical AI Development: Establish principles and oversight mechanisms for responsible AI creation and deployment.
  4. Capacity Building: Address the shortage of AI expertise in governance and policymaking.
  5. Cross-Sector Collaboration: Foster partnerships between government, industry, and academia for effective governance.

Example Solutions for Inspiration

  1. AI Ethics Review Board:

   – Establish an independent body to assess high-impact AI projects for ethical considerations.

   – Develop a scoring system for AI applications based on transparency, fairness, and accountability.

  1. AI Intellectual Property Framework:

   – Create a specialized AI patent classification system.

   – Implement a blockchain-based registry for AI-generated works to ensure proper attribution.

  1. Data Governance Platform:

   – Develop a centralized platform for managing consent and data sharing across AI applications.

   – Implement privacy-preserving techniques like federated learning for sensitive data.

  1. AI Governance Capacity Building Program:

   – Launch a national AI governance fellowship to train policymakers and regulators.

   – Partner with international organizations to adapt global best practices to the local context.

  1. Public-Private AI Governance Alliance:

   – Create a collaborative body with representatives from government, industry, and civil society.

   – Establish a sandbox environment for testing AI governance frameworks in real-world scenarios.

 

References for AI Governance Case Study

Academic and Policy Sources

  1. Bangladesh National AI Policy 2024, ICT Division
  2. Digital Bangladesh Vision 2041 Strategic Document
  3. Global AI Governance Frameworks Comparative Study, UNESCO
  4. Intellectual Property Rights in AI: Emerging Trends Report, WIPO

Research Publications

  1. “AI Governance Challenges in Developing Economies” – International Journal of Technology Policy
  2. “Intellectual Property Protection in Artificial Intelligence” – Harvard Technology Review
  3. “Ethical AI Development: A Comprehensive Framework” – MIT Technology Review
  4. Bangladesh AI Readiness Index 2024, World Economic Forum

Institutional Reports

  1. ICT Division Annual Report on Digital Transformation
  2. World Bank Digital Economy Assessment for Bangladesh
  3. UNDP Technology and Innovation Report 2024
  4. International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI Governance Guidelines

Legal and Policy Documents

  1. Draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2024
  2. Bangladesh Copyright Act Amendment Proposal
  3. Intellectual Property Rights in Digital Technologies Framework

Technology and Innovation Sources

  1. “AI and Emerging Technologies in Global South” – Nature Technology
  2. Digital Innovation Ecosystem Report, Bangladesh Computer Council
  3. AI Ethics and Governance: Comparative Global Perspectives

Capacity Building Resources

  1. AI Skills Gap Analysis, Bangladesh Computer Society
  2. Digital Skills Development Roadmap 2025-2030, Ministry of Education

Case: Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Regions of Bangladesh

 

Background

Bangladesh’s coastal regions face severe threats from climate change, with rising sea levels, increased cyclone intensity, and saltwater intrusion endangering millions of lives and livelihoods. Climate change impacts in Bangladesh have intensified over the past five years, with sea levels rising at an alarming rate. Salinity intrusion now affects over 50% of coastal areas, severely impacting agriculture and freshwater availability. 

The frequency and intensity of cyclones have increased dramatically, with recent storms causing billions in damages and affecting millions of people. By 2050, up to 18 million people could be displaced due to climate-related disasters in coastal areas. The country’s unique geography, with 80% of its landmass in floodplains and 28% in coastal areas, exacerbates its vulnerability to climate change impacts.

The government’s Delta Plan 2100 aims for long-term climate resilience, but implementation remains challenging due to limited resources and technical capacity. There’s an urgent need for innovative solutions to enhance coastal resilience and adaptation strategies.

Key Challenges to Address

  1. Climate Prediction: Develop high-resolution models for local climate forecasting in coastal areas.
  2. Salinity Management: Create AI systems to optimize agriculture practices and water management in saline-affected regions.
  3. Disaster Management: Design early warning systems for cyclones, storm surges, and floods.
  4. Ecosystem Preservation: Implement AI-driven monitoring of mangrove forests and coastal biodiversity.
  5. Community Resilience: Develop adaptive strategies for coastal livelihoods and infrastructure.

Example Solutions for Inspiration

  1. AI-Powered Coastal Climate Resilience Platform:

   – Use machine learning to analyze satellite imagery, ocean data, and weather patterns for accurate local climate predictions.

   – Implement a blockchain-based system for transparent climate data sharing among stakeholders.

  1. Integrated Coastal Zone Management System:

   – Develop AI models to predict sea-level rise and salinity intrusion patterns.

   – Create adaptive management plans for mangrove forests and coastal agriculture.

  1. Community-Based Early Warning System:

   – Implement IoT sensors for real-time monitoring of water levels and salinity.

   – Develop a mobile app for disseminating localized early warnings and adaptation strategies.

  1. Coastal Biodiversity Conservation AI:

   – Use computer vision for automated monitoring of mangrove health and coastal ecosystems.

   – Develop predictive models for species migration patterns due to climate change.

  1. Climate-Adaptive Livelihood AI:

   – Create AI-driven recommendations for climate-resilient crops and aquaculture practices.

   – Develop virtual reality simulations for training coastal communities on adaptation techniques.

 

References: 

  1. Ahmed, S., et al. (2024). Sea level rise and coastal vulnerability in Bangladesh. Nature Climate Change, 14(3), 245-252.
  1. Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2024. (2024). Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Bangladesh.
  1. Dasgupta, S., et al. (2023). Climate change and development in Bangladesh. World Bank Group Climate Change Knowledge Portal.
  1. Global Center on Adaptation. (2024). State and trends in adaptation report 2024: Bangladesh.
  1. Haque, A., & Nicholls, R. J. (2023). Floods and the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta. In Deltas in the Anthropocene (pp. 147-159). Springer.
  1. Islam, M. M., et al. (2024). Salinity intrusion in coastal Bangladesh: Impacts on agriculture and adaptation strategies. Environmental Science & Policy, 118, 33-42.
  1. Karim, M. F., & Mimura, N. (2023). Impacts of climate change and sea-level rise on cyclonic storm surge floods in Bangladesh. Global Environmental Change, 35, 273-282.
  1. Ministry of Water Resources. (2024). Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100: Implementation status report.
  1. Rahman, M. S., & Rahman, M. A. (2024). Impacts of climate change on fisheries and aquaculture in coastal Bangladesh. Ocean & Coastal Management, 205, 105796.
  1. World Bank. (2024). Bangladesh: Coastal Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Project – Implementation Completion and Results Report.