Tech Innovation Key to Trillion Dollar Economy

Aiming to steer Bangladesh toward a robust, knowledge-driven, and innovation-led trillion-dollar economy by 2034, the 'Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026' is scheduled to take place at the Novotheatre in Dhaka from 12 to 14 September 2026. Minister for Science and Technology Faqir Mahbub Anam made the announcement while addressing as the chief guest at a high-level networking session titled 'Developing Innovation Ecosystem Towards a Trillion-Dollar Economy' at the Sheraton Hotel on Monday, 24 August 2026.

Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam emphasized, "Economic competitiveness in global markets necessitates integrating high value-adding industries and engineering technologies. While universities and startups generate breakthrough ideas, institutional barriers in technology transfer, regulatory approvals, intellectual property protection, and commercialization stall their progress. The government is constructing an end-to-end innovation ecosystem to bridge this gap." He also noted that a specialized startup fund of BDT 500 crore has been created to support commercialization.

The Minister urged domestic industrialists to leverage ready infrastructure at high-tech and innovation parks across Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Jashore. Addressing the ongoing energy and power disruptions influenced by the Russia-Ukraine war, he affirmed that technical experts and policymakers are working collaboratively on rapid resolutions.

Chairing the meeting, Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology Md. Anwar Hossain stated that a 'Research to Market' framework is being implemented to translate academic research into industrial solutions. He outlined active steps to adopt frontier technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, nanotechnology, and biotechnology, confirming that prime ministerial consent has been secured for a dedicated Biotech Park alongside strategic consensus with vice-chancellors from 43 universities.

The session brought together key industrial figures including FBCCI Administrator Fazlul Hoque, business leader Tapan Chowdhury, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, and representatives from FICCI, EuroCham, BACCO, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, HSBC, Bank Asia, Mastercard, Grameenphone, Banglalink, Daffodil Group, Berger Paints, Mutual Trust Bank, Pi Strategy, Runner Group, Evince Group, Dipon Group, SSG Bangladesh, and BCMEA.
//DBTech/MAM/MIS//