As the country’s first true IoT (Internet of Things) development board, JRC Board is transforming the way businesses, organizations, and individuals integrate technology into daily operations.
In the realm of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where technology intertwines with every facet of our lives, one startup in Bangladesh is pushing the boundaries of possibility—JRC Board. As the country’s first true IoT (Internet of Things) development board, JRC Board is transforming the way businesses, organizations, and individuals integrate technology into daily operations. From smart homes to industrial automation, the JRC Board is a versatile, credit-card-sized powerhouse capable of communicating through the internet, all crafted right in Bangladesh.
But the JRC Board isn't just a product; it’s a mission-driven endeavor. Guided by the principle, “products, not projects,” the team strives to make meaningful contributions to the evolving IoT ecosystem. With roots grounded in Bangladesh’s innovation scene, the JRC Board is addressing critical gaps in tech accessibility, aiming to create lasting impact and nurture a digitally empowered society.
The Spark Behind JRC Board: A Vision for Homegrown Tech Innovation
The journey began in 2018 with the ambitious vision of Momluk Sabir Ahmed, JRC Board’s chairman, and a group of passionate directors, says Redwan Ferdous, Co-Founder & CEO at JRC Board. Initially focused on a '1 Dollar Board', backed by none other than MIT, the team quickly realized the potential for a more versatile product tailored to the specific needs of their local and global markets. Led by CTO Maherul Azam Koreshi and inspired by youth development advocate Munir Hasan, they created an IoT board that would make tech accessible and impactful in Bangladesh and beyond. This project truly began to gain momentum in 2020, when a national hackathon introduced students to the board’s capabilities.
The name itself, JRC Board, is a tribute to the late Professor Dr. Jamilur Reza Choudhury, a revered Bangladeshi academic and engineer whose legacy continues to inspire the nation’s tech community.
Tackling Challenges and Navigating Barriers
Starting up wasn’t without its challenges. When JRC Board began its journey, it faced obstacles that many startups encounter. Lack of proper documentation hindered their ability to secure investments and slowed their growth. But these were lessons learned. As Redwan Ferdous, CEO of JRC Board, stepped into full-time leadership, the team moved past these barriers, gradually turning their vision into a successful venture.
Aside from internal challenges, the team faced structural barriers as well. Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem lacks dedicated support for emerging tech businesses, and securing talent proved difficult, as experienced professionals often migrate abroad. Additionally, the regulatory environment in Bangladesh presents its own challenges, with cumbersome compliance requirements that hinder early-stage businesses. Yet, through strategic pivots and perseverance, JRC Board has successfully navigated these obstacles, emerging stronger and more resilient.
Forging Connections: The Role of the Orange Corners Bangladesh Incubation Programme
As JRC Board’s journey evolved, the team recognized the need for structured support and strategic insights. Joining the Orange Corners Bangladesh (OCB) Incubation Programme became a transformative decision. Guided by the experiences of previous cohorts and inspired by the program’s unique blend of expertise, JRC Board set out to learn, grow, and adapt.
For a company that had evolved organically, the incubation program provided much-needed structure. Through expert-led sessions and hands-on workshops, the JRC team learned vital skills in business modeling, product pricing, customer engagement, and pitching. Importantly, they began to understand the nuances of communicating their value proposition to customers and investors, as well as how to refine their product offerings for market fit.
One of the key takeaways was the importance of compliance. With OCB’s guidance, JRC Board finalized essential legal paperwork, solidifying their foundation for future growth. They also shifted their focus toward “cash cow” products, emphasizing high-performing solutions and strategically de-emphasizing projects with less potential for return.
Milestones Achieved and Growth Unlocked
Since joining the incubation programme, JRC Board has made impressive strides. They officially registered the company, released the third version of their product tailored for agricultural tech, and expanded their sales channels to five districts. With a clear investment projection and a growing customer base, the company’s presence in the IoT space is solidifying. Their six-month journey with Orange Corners Bangladesh has yielded substantial growth, with a 22% increase in sales, a 60% boost in partnerships, and a 35% rise in customers.
One particularly impactful milestone was JRC Board’s commitment to sustainability through the use of e-waste. Collaborating with Chattogram’s shipbreaking yards, they collected around 2 kilograms of e-waste for use in R&D and product assembly, demonstrating a commitment to environmentally conscious practices.
The Road Ahead: Scaling Impact and Building Strategic Partnerships
Looking forward, JRC Board’s vision is to capture a 35% share of the local market and expand into the South Asian market. Their focus on white-label branding, cost-effective solutions, and recycling materials will be crucial to achieving this goal. But they’ll need continued access to working capital and expanded networking opportunities to reach their ambitious targets. By bringing on international figures and technical experts, JRC Board aims to enhance their solution design capabilities, positioning themselves as leaders in sophisticated IoT technology.
A Journey of Personal Growth and Development
Beyond business metrics, the journey has been transformative for the founders themselves. The OCB programme has helped them refine their pitch deck, improve stakeholder communication, and expand their networks. As one of the founders noted, even colleagues can become clients when you understand how to create mutual value.
For other entrepreneurs, the JRC Board team recommends the Orange Corners Incubation programme “wholeheartedly.”
“The program has a combination of fantastic trainers who have both the flavors of success and challenges. I do especially recommend the training sessions and the hands-on work done in the sessions,” says Redwan Ferdous, Co-Founder & CEO at JRC Board. “If any venture, who are in the ideation stage or on the verge of releasing MVP- can take part here in order to know how a business should grow, how due diligence works, how the market leaders had faced the challenges and finally you will be able to know if you really should dream big with your venture or should you leave it! It's a filtration process you will feel that will help you plan the next level strategy.”
For startups in Bangladesh and beyond, JRC Board’s journey offers a powerful testament to the impact of innovation, strategic guidance, and determination. With IoT as a growing force in the digital age, JRC Board’s story has just begun—and it promises to be an inspiring one.
