Bangladesh Open Innovation Lab

BOIL is a real-life test and experimentation environment for user-driven open innovation. BOIL enables the co‐creation of user‐driven and Open Data based research, development, and innovation of technologies, products, and services focused on the well-being of people. BOIL will also apply user-driven innovation in policymaking by integrating the OpenStreetMap platform, open spatial data, non-geospatial data, and open government and non-government data produced by different government and non-government agencies. With a vision to build a community that supports the Open Data and uptake of the Living Lab paradigm and empowers everyone to innovate, BOIL focuses on collecting information and achieving experiences on community issues all over Bangladesh and bringing the information on the open platform in a spatial and non-spatial manner to enhance the coordination among the concerned agencies as well as the cross-boundary. It provides consultancy and support in education & capacity development in open geospatial technology; data collection, data mining & survey; data management & analysis; digital innovation and Information technology-based solution & research; and assists the smooth implementation of different projects of development & humanitarian sphere.

Our approach relies on solving real-world problems through the proper utilization of open data & open source technologies wherever possible using various open data platforms like ODK, KOBO. Ensuring the participation of people from the root by providing easy-to-use mobile-based applications, while building partnerships with like-minded organizations and communities all over the world at the same time. 

A diversified community-centric approach, individual expertise in various relevant areas, blended with a technological approach, and multidirectional relationships with organizations both home and abroad are the base of our strong presence in the arena. A continuously evolving, vibrant community composed of passionate people aiming to establish a sustainable open data ecosystem makes us stronger day by day. 

Most Recent Projects 

Exploring second Order impact of COVID 19 on Urban Population in Dhaka City under “Cities' Covid Mitigation Mapping (C2M2)” Project 

The Cities’ COVID Mitigation Mapping program (C2M2) builds on global networks of geospatial experts to analyze second-order impacts of COVID-19. This program aims to increase the capacity to understand the distribution and gaps in resources available to vulnerable populations in urban communities. This program has three regional hubs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Selected local organizations with regional geospatial and community development expertise, identify and work with various local project partners to develop and guide C2M2 projects in each region. BOIL was selected as a country partner for Bangladesh to take the initiative forward. 

Client: Mapgive initiative of US Dept. of State; American Association of Geographers (AAG); Kathmandu Living Labs (KLL)