The Aspire to Innovate (a2i) program, a yearlong venture in digital transformation, has emerged as a driving force in laying the foundation for a Smart Bangladesh by 2041. In the pursuit of this vision, a2i has introduced numerous smart projects, earning recognition through over 17 national and international awards in the year 2023.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated five groundbreaking projects on Sheikh Russel Day, October 18, including ‘Smart 333,’ ‘Smart E-Trade License,’ ‘ekPass’ for electronic toll collection, ‘Noipunno’ for student learning, and the ‘Smart Pregnancy Monitoring System.’
Aiming to simplify citizen services, a2i, under the Cabinet Division and ICT Division with UNDP support, introduced the ‘Sathi’ virtual assistant app and consolidated all public services under the ‘MyGov’ platform, digitizing 209 government services in the outgoing year.
Furthermore, a2i’s efforts toward a Smart Bangladesh are highlighted by achievements such as earning an ISO certificate for Procurement Process, the formulation of ‘Digital Service and Web Designing Guideline for Inclusive Accessibility 2022,’ and the passing of the ‘Agency to Innovate (a2i) Bill 2023,’ marking a new era of technological innovation.
Globally acclaimed for reducing digital divide, a2i established the ‘e-Quality Center for Inclusive Innovation,’ launching the International ICT Innovation (I-3) Matching Fund. The DPI-AI International Conference emphasized creating an inclusive world through digital public infrastructure (DPI) and artificial intelligence (AI).
Encouraging innovation, a2i organized the ‘Rocketry Innovation Challenge-2022’ and addressed the importance of blended education in shaping Smart Bangladesh through international consultations.
During the cyclone ‘Mocha,’ a2i’s national helpline 333 provided crucial information and assistance, receiving 1.4 million calls related to the disaster.
Internationally recognized, a2i received the ‘WSIS Prize-2023’ for the ‘COVID-19 Telehealth Center initiative,’ the ‘SDG Digital Game Changer Award’ for ‘ekShop,’ and the ‘WITSA 2023 Global Innovation and Technology Excellence Awards’ for skill development and education excellence.
As a2i continues to spearhead innovation, these achievements mark significant strides toward a Smart Bangladesh.
