DU Seminar Highlights Global Tech Opportunities for Future Engineers
A special technical seminar titled “Robotics, Aerospace and the Billion-Dollar Green Frontier” was held at the auditorium of the University of Dhaka (DU) on Wednesday, 1 April. Organized by the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering of the university, the seminar aimed to provide future engineers with the confidence and proper guidance to engage in global careers and innovative technologies.
The keynote address was delivered by Asad Kagozi, Head of Costing Data and Tools at Airbus Germany. Sharing his personal journey, he encouraged students by emphasizing that it is possible to build a world-class career starting from Bangladesh.
He said, “Airbus is strong today, but through your unique ideas and capabilities, we want to become even stronger.” He highlighted that the global space economy could reach $1.8 trillion by 2035 and urged students to participate in this vast market. He also noted that the global mechatronics market is expected to reach approximately $317.2 billion by 2030.
Describing the mechatronics ecosystem as a “national multiplier,” the Airbus representative stated that the integration of AI, civil, electrical, and aerospace engineering can build a self-reliant national economy. Alongside aspirations for space exploration, he also addressed existing national challenges. He pointed out that environmental degradation is causing a loss of approximately 17.6% of Bangladesh’s GDP. Due to climate change, up to one-third of the agricultural GDP could be at risk by 2050. To address these challenges, mechatronics engineers can directly contribute by developing automated waste-sorting machines, smart vehicle emission sensors, and IoT-driven drones.
Highlighting current project opportunities for students, he mentioned that organizations such as the World Bank and ADB are making significant investments in Bangladesh. Notable among these are the $410 million DWATER project for river monitoring and the $256.5 million Green Climate Fund initiative for robotics applications in the RMG sector. Additionally, UNDP is providing seed funding or grants to support hardware prototyping by young innovators.
Among the special guests was Nahiyan Al Rahman, head of the country’s emerging aerospace startup “Dhumketu X.” Expressing optimism about Bangladesh’s capabilities, he said, “A significant export market is emerging in rocket launching. We are working with the goal of capturing this international market using local talent. Due to the lack of policy support and financing opportunities, we are currently operating with our own funds.”
In his presidential remarks, Professor Dr. Shugata Ahmed, Chairman of the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Dhaka, highlighted the importance of advanced technologies in strengthening national defense. He said, “Rocket technology is used in our missile systems, and jet propulsion is used in aircraft. If institutions capable of building rockets can be developed in the country, why can we not create our own technology (ICDM) to strengthen our defense system?”
He further noted that there are currently some policy limitations in testing such technologies. However, encouraging the students, he said, “In the next 10 years, today’s students will become the policymakers of the country. If we start dreaming today, we too can build a ‘missile city’ like Iran in the future.”
The seminar was attended by teachers and students from various departments of the university, as well as professionals from the civil aviation and ICT sectors. Speakers agreed that innovations by mechatronics engineers will play a crucial role in tackling climate change and environmental degradation.
The seminar concluded with a special message from Asad Kagozi, urging students to think not only about technology but also about integrity and humanity. He emphasized that mechatronic systems developed by students can ensure the nation’s future security and stated that engineering education should be built not only on mathematics but also on a moral framework of honesty and responsibility. Addressing the students, he said, “Your education finds true meaning when it extends beyond the classroom and contributes to national sustainable development.”
DBTech/IH/MUM/OR
