UGC Unveils University–Industry Research Grants Worth Tk 382.1 Million
The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has signed agreements worth Tk 382.1 million with 12 universities to implement 20 research sub-projects aimed at innovative product development through academia–industry collaboration, interdisciplinary research and development, studies in computer science and engineering and information technology, and the creation of ICT-based solutions for persons with disabilities.
The funding is being provided under the “Research and Development Grant” sub-component of the Higher Education Enhancement Project for Computer and Software Engineering (ICSETEP), which is being implemented by the UGC with financial support from the Government of Bangladesh and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
A tripartite agreement-signing ceremony was held on Tuesday, January 20, at the UGC office. The agreements were signed by the UGC Secretary, vice-chancellors of the grant-recipient universities, and principal investigators of the respective sub-projects.
UGC Chairman Professor Dr SM A Faiz attended the event as the chief guest. Special guests included UGC members Professor Dr Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Professor Dr Masuma Habib, and Professor Dr Mohammad Aiyub Islam, along with Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan and ADB Country Director Hoe Yun Jeong.
Chaired by UGC member Professor Dr Md Saidur Rahman, the programme also featured remarks from UGC Secretary Dr Md Fakhrul Islam and ICSETEP Project Director (Additional Charge) Professor Gazi Md Nazrul Islam.
Addressing the event, Professor Dr SM A Fayez said the research support in the ICT sector would play an effective role in building a “New Bangladesh.” He urged grant-recipient researchers to ensure responsible and proper use of the allocated funds, noting that ICSETEP is an institutional project. He also highlighted the crucial role of university research in solving real-life societal problems.
Professor Dr Md Saidur Rahman described the initiative as a milestone in developing human resources in the ICT sector and strengthening industry–academia collaboration. He thanked the Asian Development Bank for supporting knowledge-based economic development and technological education, adding that the selected sub-projects were chosen through a transparent and impartial process with special emphasis on social impact.
UGC had invited research proposals from university faculty members in September last year, receiving a total of 162 submissions. After evaluation, 20 sub-projects from nine public and three private universities were selected.
The grant-recipient institutions include Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Jahangirnagar University, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Pabna University of Science and Technology, BRAC University, Daffodil International University, and Barendra University.
Among them, BUET received funding for the highest number of sub-projects (five), followed by Dhaka University (three), Rajshahi University and BRAC University (two each), while the remaining eight universities received funding for one sub-project each.
The five-year ICSETEP project has an estimated total cost of around Tk 13 billion, with 87.72 percent financed by the Asian Development Bank and the remaining 12.28 percent funded by the Government of Bangladesh.
The event was attended by grant-recipient researchers, senior officials of the UGC and ICSETEP project, and registrars of the concerned universities.
DBTech/IK/MJ/OR
