Roadmap Shared at Innovation Fair
Adviser Urges Tech-Led Sustainable Economic Rebuilding
- Strategic plan focuses on economic recovery, structural institutional reforms, and export diversification
- Government considers tax exemptions for private capital backing National Research Fund
- Knowledge economy aims for one-trillion-dollar valuation to navigate post-LDC graduation challenges
Pioneering scientific innovation, engineering research, and aggressive industrial technology adoption are essential to forging a resilient national economy, stated Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Planning.
The policy directive was delivered on Monday, September 14, during the grand finale and awards ceremony of the 'Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026', hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology at the Novo Theatre in Dhaka.
Dr. Titumir outlined a tripartite macro-economic strategy: accelerated economic recovery, institutional and structural rebuilding, and agile technological reconstruction. Addressing the upcoming 2029 Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation hurdles, he emphasized moving beyond single-sector dependency toward diversified, technology-intensive export capabilities. He noted that elevating Bangladesh’s standing on the Global Innovation Index (GII) demands sustained R&D investments and continuous scientific revival, positioning a democratic and welfare-driven state within global trade.
To incentivize indigenous research, the Adviser called on stakeholders to submit actionable proposals for an accountable 'Research and Innovation Fund'. He indicated that the government will evaluate fiscal incentives, including tax exemptions, for private corporations channeling capital into this research vehicle. Grounded on the philosophy of 'Bangladesh First', he projected young innovators driving a one-trillion-dollar economy while securing sustainable development goals.
Presiding over the session, Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain announced that the ministry will institutionalize the 'Innovation Fair' as an annual fixture. He underscored that showcased prototypes have achieved commercial viability, referencing emerging export agreements with Middle Eastern markets, including Oman.
Following 20 technical and policy sessions, a panel selected the top 10 prototypes from 671 submissions, awarding each 100,000 BDT in commercialization grants. The winning solutions included Homepital Nexus, SMARTWheelchair, Firefly, Voice Assist Device, BD Cyber Helpline, Water Repellent Jute Fabric, Natural Fibre PCB, Antenna for NanoSat, Liquid Tree, and Self Contactor. Special institutional laurels were awarded to Gazipur Agricultural University, JUST, BUBT, Khulna University, and AIUB across 100 university demonstrations.
//DBTech/MAM/SME/IH//
