Development Research Network
Development Research Network (Dnet) is a Bangladesh-based social enterprise founded in 2001 that builds technology solutions for healthcare, education, governance, climate, and financial inclusion, serving government agencies, international donors, and NGOs through commissioned projects and digital health, e-learning, and BPO services.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersMohammadpur, Bangladesh
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Development Research Network does
Development Research Network (Dnet) is a Bangladesh-based social enterprise founded in 2001 that develops technology-based solutions for healthcare, education, governance, climate, and financial inclusion. It operates across five thematic areas (Health and Nutrition, Education and Literacy, Governance and Society, Climate and Environment, Business and Entrepreneurship) and runs four sub-brands: LifeChord (digital health, continuing the Aponjon mHealth service), Kite Bangladesh (educational technology and the Computer Literacy Program), DFin (banking and finance capacity development), and Gunijan (electronic journal). The technology stack spans custom software, mobile apps (Android, iOS, Flutter), web platforms (Laravel, Django, WordPress), data analytics and decision support systems (Power BI, Google Data Studio, GIS), SMS/IVR/OBD telephony, AI/ML-enabled biometric and behavioral analytics, and e-learning platforms with gamification.
Dnet's business model is predominantly project-based professional services revenue, funded by grants and contracts from international development partners (USAID, European Union, World Bank, UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, UNCDF, British Council, FNF, Netherlands Embassy) and commissioned work for Bangladesh government agencies (Bangladesh Police, DGFP, DGHS, CPTU, Ministry of Education). It supplements grant revenue with BPO (call center, telemarketing, telemedicine, phone and robo surveys), digital marketing services, creative and multimedia content, and training/advisory through DFin. Distribution is domestic (Bangladesh) via direct project engagement, 60+ development partners, 287 Computer Learning Centers, 184 Smart Classrooms, and mobile/SMS platforms reaching all 64 districts. Pricing is non-public, quote-based, and varies by project scope and duration. The company is headquartered in Dhaka with regional offices in Rajshahi, Gaibandha, and a partner-operated presence in Sylhet; it employs 101-250 staff and reports no parent company, operating as an independent social enterprise. It has implemented 25+ large-scale projects and counts 1.47M+ LifeChord health subscribers, 200,000+ students served in education programs, and 50,000+ beneficiaries in social accountability initiatives.
Development Research Network firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Development Research Network
- Legal name
- Dnet (Development Research Network)
- Website
- https://dnet.org.bd
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Development Research Network (Dnet) is a Bangladesh-based social enterprise founded in 2001 that builds technology solutions for healthcare, education, governance, climate, and financial inclusion, serving government agencies, international donors, and NGOs through commissioned projects and digital health, e-learning, and BPO services.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Development Research Network industry classification
Industry- Product category
- ICT for Development Services
- NAICS
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Digital Development & ICT4D / GovTech Technical Assistance (BPADAEAL)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Developer Experience Platforms for Enterprise (IDEs, CI/CD, Dev Portals) (HDAEAKAI)
Keywords
Where Development Research Network is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mohammadpur
- HQ country
- Bangladesh
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices4 records
Markets served
Development Research Network business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Development Project Services: Dnet generates revenue through commissioned projects from development partners (USAID, European Union, UNDP, World Bank), government agencies, and international NGOs. These are typically grant-funded development programs with defined timelines and deliverables in areas like health, education, governance, and climate.
- Technology Services: Custom software development, mobile app development, CMS development, website development, data analytics, and IT services provided to government agencies and development organizations on a project basis.
- BPO Solutions: Call center solutions, telemarketing, telemedicine services, phone surveys, and robo surveys provided to clients requiring business process outsourcing services.
- Digital Marketing Services: SEO services, digital advertising campaigns, and social media marketing services offered to businesses and organizations.
- Creative Solutions: Audio-visual production, animation (2D/3D/whiteboard), graphics design, motion graphics, and text content creation services.
- DFin Capacity Development: Training programs, workshops, seminars, certification programs, conferences, and advisory services for the banking and financial sector.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Project-based professional services pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Development Research Network product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Development Research Network (Dnet) is a Bangladesh-based social enterprise that designs, develops, and delivers technology solutions and research services for the development sector. Its core offerings span custom software and mobile application development, CMS and website development, data analytics and decision-support systems, SMS/IVR/OBD communication platforms, e-learning systems, business process outsourcing (call center, telemarketing, telemedicine, surveys), creative multimedia production, digital marketing, and research services, delivered primarily to government agencies, international development partners, and NGOs.
Product overview
Dnet (Development Research Network) is a social enterprise offering a comprehensive suite of technology and research services organized into distinct practice areas. The core tech offerings include Custom Software Development, Mobile App Development, CMS Development, Website Development, Data Analytics Dashboarding & DSS, SMS/IVR/OBD Solutions, 360-Degree E-Learning Solutions, BPO Solutions (Call Center, Telemarketing, Telemedicine, Surveys), Creative Solutions (Audio-Visual, Animation, Graphics, Text Content), and Digital Marketing (SEO, PPC, Social Media). The company also operates subsidiary brands including Kite Bangladesh (educational technology), LifeChord (digital health services following Aponjon), and Gunijan (electronic journal). DFin serves as the financial sector capacity development arm. All services are delivered through a unified delivery model combining research, innovation, program design, tech build, and field implementation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Kite Bangladesh: A social enterprise focused on providing innovative and affordable education products and services, implementing the Computer Literacy Program and Smart Classroom initiatives.
- LifeChord
- Gunijan
- DFin
Products and services
- Custom Software Development Tailored software solutions including desktop, web, and mobile applications, cloud computing, QA, UI/UX, IoT, AI & ML development, and enterprise resource planning systems for enterprise and government clients.
- Mobile App Development Native and cross-platform mobile application development for Android and iOS, including offline data entry, third-party integrations, video chat, and GIS tracking capabilities.
- CMS Development Content Management System development using Laravel, WordPress, and Django with multilingual support, SEO optimization, role-based access control, and social media integration.
- Website Development Custom responsive website development from scratch including e-commerce integration, multilingual support, domain registration, hosting, SEO, and third-party API integration.
- Data Analytics Dashboarding & DSS Comprehensive data analytics and visualization services including GIS analytics, AI/ML-powered multi-dimensional analysis, decision support systems, and analytical dashboards with Google Data Studio and Power BI integration.
- Customized SMS, IVR & OBD Solution Voice and SMS communication solutions including dynamic personalized SMS, IVR voice prompts, automated outbound surveys with dynamic logic, and in-house multimedia content creation.
- 360 Degree E-Learning Solution Complete eLearning software development including Learning Management System development, mobile and web learning apps, gamification, social learning integration, and analytics dashboards.
- BPO Solutions Business Process Outsourcing services including call center solutions with IVR and CTI, telemarketing, telemedicine with AI-powered chatbot, phone surveys, and robo surveys.
- Creative Solution Multimedia production services including audio-visual content (documentary, short drama), audio content (voice-over, awareness IVR), animation (2D, 3D, whiteboard), graphics, and text content.
- Digital Marketing Digital marketing services including SEO (on-page/off-page), local SEO, PPC advertising, app promotion, display campaigns, lead generation, and social media marketing.
- Research Services Social and development research services including quantitative and qualitative research, generative and evaluative research, formative and summative evaluation, and attitudinal and behavioral research.
- DFin Capacity Development Capacity development arm of Dnet providing financial sector training, research, and advisory services for banking and finance professionals, including certification programs and conferences, operated in partnership with Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM).
- LifeChord Social enterprise health platform continuing Aponjon's tradition with mobile messaging and applications for maternal and child health, non-communicable disease management, and automated predictive personalized healthcare.
- Kite Bangladesh Educational technology initiative providing innovative and affordable education products and services including Computer Literacy Program, Smart Classroom multimedia content, and Learning Evaluation and Achievement Portal (LEAP).
- Gunijan Largest electronic journal in Bangladesh documenting notable Bangladeshi personalities across various sectors through online archives and web publications.
Quantifiable outcome
- 200,000+ students served through education innovations
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Development Research Network
Customer profileNamed customers26 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Development Research Network technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
AI capability8 records
Feature5 records
Development Research Network partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- iSocialcoreStrategic partnership for AI integration in NGO operations, joint workshops and initiatives including DRAPAC 2026 discourse on AI empowerment.
- Digitally Right and EngageMedia (DRAPAC 2026)minorCollaboration for hosting AI ethics and empowerment session at DRAPAC 2026 summit.
- Catalyst NowminorCollaboration on AI integration workshop for next generation management practices in development sector.
- Southeast UniversityminorStrategic partnership to advance research and innovation in Bangladesh.
- Amal FoundationminorPartnership to drive social innovation and digital inclusion initiatives.
- British CouncilcorePartnership for English and Digital for Girls Education (EDGE) project, training girls in English and technology skills.
- Democracy InternationalcoreETIMW (Enhancing Tolerance and Inclusion through Mental Wellbeing) Project across two phases.
- World Bank / Central Procurement Technical Unit (CPTU)coreSpend analysis project to improve government procurement efficiency. Dnet provided research and analytical services for procurement data analysis.
- BoP Innovation CentercorePushti Ambassador Partnership for nutrition and health behavior change communication programs.
- USAID MaMoni-MNCSPcoreMaternal and Newborn Care Strengthening Project implementing health system strengthening interventions across Bangladesh.
- Bangladesh PoliceflagshipImplemented the national 999 emergency service system, a landmark citizen safety initiative. This was a major government technology project that established Bangladesh's unified emergency response system.
- UNDP BangladeshcorePartnership for GCA (Green Climate Fund) climate resilience project, RTI initiatives, and civic engagement programs including Nagarik Shamannay.
- UNICEF BangladeshcoreAdolescent health camps and programs, technical support for adolescent health website and mobile application.
- UN Women BangladeshcoreGender equality and women's empowerment initiatives, climate justice programs with gender-responsive approaches.
- UNCDF BangladeshcoreFinancial inclusion and MSME transformation programs through SHIFT project.
- Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM)coreDFin operates in partnership with BIBM for capacity development in banking and finance sector.
- SEBA (Development Partner Sylhet)minorDevelopment partner operating in Sylhet division for community development programs.
- WAFFH (We Are Friends For Human)minorDevelopment partner since 2008, focusing on education, healthcare, and socio-economic empowerment in Sylhet region.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights10 records
Development Research Network competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Dimagi: US-based social enterprise building CommCare, a leading open-source mobile data collection and service-delivery platform used across global health and development programs. Directly comparable to Dnet's custom mobile, e-learning, and SMS/IVR development for international development clients.
- Praekelt: South Africa-founded ICT4D organization building mobile health, messaging, and digital platforms (e.g., MomConnect, Vumi) for development-sector clients across Africa and emerging Asia. Highly comparable on mHealth, IVR-based service delivery, and donor-funded scale-up pathway.
- Viamo: Global mobile-based ICT4D services firm delivering behavior-change communications, IVR/sms platforms, and data services to NGOs and governments in low/middle-income markets. Closely comparable to Dnet's SMS/IVR/OBD platform and mass-audience health/education outreach model.
Broad incumbents
- RTI International: Global nonprofit research and development consulting institute implementing donor-funded programs in health, education, governance, and economic development. Comparable as a development-sector implementation partner competing for the same USAID, World Bank, and foundation RFPs Dnet serves.
- Mercy Corps: Global humanitarian and development INGO increasingly investing in digital and tech-enabled programs in Bangladesh and similar markets. Comparable as a competing implementer for USAID/DFID-funded tech-for-development RFPs.
- PATH: Global health INGO with deep digital health and data analytics capabilities across maternal/child health, NCDs, and immunization. Overlaps with Dnet on mHealth (Aponjon/LifeChord), ICT4D advisory, and donor-funded health technology delivery.
- BRAC: Bangladesh-headquartered world's largest development NGO operating across health, education, microfinance, and livelihoods with growing technology-enabled programs. Overlaps with Dnet on Bangladesh program delivery footprint and donor-funded social enterprise model, but is vastly larger and more diversified.
Regional players
- a2i (Access to Information Programme): Bangladesh government flagship digital transformation initiative under the Prime Minister's Office, with which Dnet's Executive Chairperson previously served as E-Governance Advisor. A natural ecosystem peer and historical partner in Bangladesh's Digital Bangladesh agenda.
- Brain Station 23: Bangladesh's largest IT services and software development exporter serving global enterprise clients with custom software, mobile apps, and data solutions. Comparable on Bangladesh-based custom software/IT services capacity, though operating in a for-profit commercial model versus Dnet's development-sector focus.
- icddr,b: Bangladesh-based international public health research institute with strong maternal/newborn health and behavior-change communication portfolios. Comparable as a Bangladesh public-health research and program-implementation peer overlapping on LifeChord/Aponjon use cases.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Development Research Network social profiles
Digital presenceDevelopment Research Network financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Development Research Network leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles16 records
Development Research Network subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
Development Research Network funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Development Research Network M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Development Research Network
What does Development Research Network do?
Development Research Network (Dnet) is a Bangladesh-based social enterprise that designs, develops, and delivers technology solutions and research services for the development sector. Its core offerings span custom software and mobile application development, CMS and website development, data analytics and decision-support systems, SMS/IVR/OBD communication platforms, e-learning systems, business process outsourcing (call center, telemarketing, telemedicine, surveys), creative multimedia production, digital marketing, and research services, delivered primarily to government agencies, international development partners, and NGOs.
Is Development Research Network a public or private company?
Development Research Network is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Development Research Network founded?
Development Research Network was founded in 2001. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Development Research Network based?
Development Research Network is headquartered in Mohammadpur, Bangladesh, in the Asia region.
How does Development Research Network make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Development Project Services are the primary driver. The others are technology Services, BPO Solutions, digital Marketing Services, creative Solutions and DFin Capacity Development.
Who are Development Research Network's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Dimagi, Praekelt and Viamo. Broad incumbents are RTI International, Mercy Corps, PATH and BRAC. Regional players are a2i (Access to Information Programme), Brain Station 23 and icddr,b.
Does Development Research Network have an API?
No public API is recorded for Development Research Network.
What industry is Development Research Network in?
Development Research Network's product category is ICT for Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADAEAL, Digital Development & ICT4D / GovTech Technical Assistance, with a secondary code of HDAEAKAI, Developer Experience Platforms for Enterprise (IDEs, CI/CD, Dev Portals). Its NAICS code is 518 and its SIC code is 7370.