Business Desk
Bangladesh is standing at the crossroads of a new era. With over 50 million young people, the nation holds one of the world’s largest youth populations — a demographic that could either remain underutilized or become the driving force of the global innovation economy.At the same time, Bangladesh faces urgent climate challenges, ranking among the world’s top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, with rising sea levels, increased cyclones, and flooding threatening millions of livelihoods.
Amid these challenges and opportunities, Smart Build — a youth-led Bangladeshi startup specializing in smart infrastructure, sustainable city and climate-tech — has announced the launch of a bold initiative: “AI Begins With Me.” In partnership with AIvolve Leadership Dynamics GmbH (Switzerland), the program aims to empower 1 million Bangladeshi youth by 2030 with applied AI knowledge, future-ready skills, and climate leadership.
A Startup with Global Ambition:
Emerging from Bangladesh’s thriving innovation ecosystem, Smart Build is a bold startup with global ambition. It has already represented the country on prestigious international platforms, forged collaborations with world-leading partners, and pioneered technology-driven solutions spanning smart ports, green cities, and sustainable infrastructure. Positioned at the intersection of innovation and impact, Smart Build is redefining how Bangladeshi youth, technology, and sustainability converge to shape a smarter, greener future.
“Our mission is to transform Bangladesh’s youth into a future-ready, AI-enabled workforce — capable of leading not only at home but on the global stage,” said Md. ShahabUddinRiadh, Founder & Chief Business Officer of Smart Build.
The Vision of “AI Begins With Me”:
The initiative is designed as a national movement, aligning with SDGs 4, 8, 9, 11, and 13 and national development goals, as well as the Three Zero Theories championed by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Core objectives include:
Real-World Impact:
The program combines globally co-developed AI curricula, created with AIvolve, with localized training tailored for Bangladesh. Youth will not just learn theory, but also gain hands-on experience in Smart Build’s global partners live projects — from smart infrastructure and healthcare systems to renewable energy and mobility solutions.This dual approach ensures that graduates emerge as both AI-certified professionals and real-world problem solvers.
Why It Matters
Bangladesh spends billions annually on fossil fuels and faces pressing challenges in climate resilience, energy, and employment. By equipping its youth with applied AI and sustainable innovation skills, the country can:
A Global Model in the Making:
For AIvolve, a Switzerland-based global AI education firm, Bangladesh is a proving ground for scalable, inclusive, and ethical AI solutions. Together with Smart Build, it hopes to create a model of youth empowerment that other countries can replicate.
“As the world accelerates toward AI-driven economies and climate-resilient infrastructure, AI Begins With Me places Bangladesh in a position of leadership — not as a late adopter, but as a trailblazer of the global green innovation era,” said Riadh. “This movement is about unleashing the power of our youth to lead in AI, climate action, and future-ready innovation.”
