Financial Inclusion

SDG Impact Accelerator Digital Agriculture Call has been closed. Thank you for your interest!

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. The SDG Impact Accelerator (SDGia) is a global accelerator built by a multi stakeholder platform focusing on empowering entrepreneurs and innovators who are providing impact at scale. The Program is led by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNDP Turkey, and United Nations Technology Bank for LDCs with the support of government institutions of Bangladesh.

Financial inclusion is a critical enabler of 8 SDGs focusing on eradicating poverty (SDG 1); ending hunger, achieving food security and promoting sustainable agriculture (SDG 2); profiting health and well-being (SDG 3); achieving gender equality and economic empowerment of women (SDG 5); promoting economic growth and jobs (SDG 8); supporting industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9); reducing inequality (SDG 10) ; and strengthening the means of implementation (SDG 17). The program aims an urgent transformation of the current financial system with innovative solutions after COVID-19 from global and local entrepreneurs.

Our call is open for teams from all around the world and from Bangladesh
  • have a solution in the field of Financial Inclusion which has potential to support especially least-developed country (LDC) populations,
  • have an innovative idea or product in Financial Inclusion they want to launch or scale-up,
  • are looking for funding to develop their Minimum-Viable-Product (MVP) or improve their product,
  • would love the opportunity to implement or test their solution in Bangladesh with the support of local institutions and additional investment.
Why Join the SDGia?

When you are selected to the program, you will

  • be part of a global network which will support you as you work towards the SDGs and create your impact in the world,
  • receive mentorship from UNDP, UN Technology Bank, governmental institutions, financial and technology experts, and global investors,
  • receive equity-free grant of $15,000 when you get accepted to the Accelerator Program,
  • receive impact investment at the end of the program if your idea or product is selected for implementation in Bangladesh.
Program Details

The SDGia starts with an online Pre-Accelerator Program in February 2021. Selected teams who complete this program are invited to the online Accelerator Program in April 2021 and receive grants of $15,000. Graduates of the Accelerator Program who are selected by the jury receive additional funding in the form of impact investment to implement their solution in Bangladesh. They will also be invited to Bangladesh for field visits and to talk to target customers and users if and when travel restrictions are lifted. Some of the successful teams of the program may also get a chance to showcase their solutions at the Davos Summit and the UN General Assembly.

Financial Inclusion
in Bangladesh
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