Edtech: The New Frontier Of Education In Bangladesh

EdTech is the application of technology to improve accessibility, efficacy, and engagement in education. Education and technology are combined to form EdTech.

By 2027, the existing global edtech market is expected to have grown from $75 billion to $318 billion, according to experts. One major factor contributing to this rise is Asia’s expanding youth population.

Bangladesh’s edtech industry got its start in the middle of 2010. Many organizations that can fundamentally alter the educational system have surfaced in this field. One edtech pioneer is 10 Minute School. In this field, “Shikho” has also drawn the greatest amount of investment.

The Evolution of EdTech in Bangladesh

Before 2000, Bangladesh’s EdTech industry was somewhat small. The initial step was adding computer-related programs to guidebooks on CDs and BTV. EdTech’s adventure started in 2009–2010 when “OnnoRokom Pathshala” was created.

With the success of “10 Minute School” in 2014, the EdTech industry grew significantly. Numerous groups, like “Shikho” and “Bohubrihi,” entered this field. In Bangladesh, around 300 EdTech platforms have been introduced as of February 2024. These platforms include a wide range of services, including competitive tests, skill development, secondary and upper secondary education, and more. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, EdTech platforms have found considerable success. “10  Minute School” and “Shikho” were among the numerous organizations that drew significant investment.

EdTech companies can be classified as either formal or informal based on their approach to going to market. There are several verticals within the informal industry, including test preparation, K–12, and preschool. Keeping a balance between monetizing and growth is crucial for edtech businesses.

The journey of Edtech in Bangladesh and its role in the education sector. | Photo collected.

A few prominent Bangladeshi edtech startups

More than 160 million people are living in Bangladesh, and many of them are younger than 26. The edtech industry is expanding at an exponential rate due to government digitization policies. Edtech, from online learning environments to virtual classrooms, has become widely used and is transforming the way that education is provided.

10 Minute School: This platform was established in 2014 and provides online video lectures on a range of subjects, such as GRE preparation, IELTS, university entrance examinations, and education. They have 1.79 million subscribers on YouTube.

Interactive Cares: This platform provides masterclasses, and online courses on skill development, job preparation, higher education, etc. IELTS, GRE, Python, JavaScript, and other courses are popular. They have raised seed funding as well. 

Bohubrihi: This platform, which was founded in 2016 by two BUE students, boasts more than 50 courses and 60,000 enrolled students. The “Bohubrihi Bytes” microlearning platform will also be introduced.

Thrive EdTech: This platform facilitates class scheduling for teachers and student attendance. Their services were provided at no cost during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shikho: In 2020, Shikho was able to raise seed funding. Over fifty thousand people have downloaded its smartphone app. Science crash courses for the SSC and HSC exams have been introduced.

Upskill: More than thirty-four video lectures are available on Upskill. They have raised startup money and partnered with Chaldal on a revenue-sharing arrangement. 

Sohopathi: A social learning network that matches students with qualified instructors.

Teacher Portal: An initiative by the government to digitize the nation’s educational system.

Ostad: Ensures that everyone has access to online education to develop a skilled workforce. Uses live courses to deliver instruction.

Notable Edtech startups in Bangladesh and their impact. | Photo collected.

Adversities facing edtech institutions

Despite Bangladesh’s edtech industry’s significant growth, edtech institutions there are also dealing with the following crises as a result of the global edtech industry’s challenges:

Competition: With the rise of private tutors and coaching centers, many edtech institutions are turning to online coaching centers.

Course copying: A lot of educational organizations translate foreign courses into Bengali, often with little study or actual value.

High levels of competition in the market: It is challenging for edtech institutions to establish a presence in the market due to the large number of them.

low profits: A lot of edtech companies have minimal revenue and profits.

Lack of business plans: Most establishments are unable to determine the precise size of their prospective clientele and market.

But one of the biggest problems in Bangladesh is the digital divide. There are many regions of the nation without high-speed internet. Internet connectivity is costly. Furthermore, online education presents certain conceptual difficulties.

With government assistance, rising internet usage, and new Edtech companies entering the market, the Edtech sector will continue to expand.

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