JSTU Signs Five Industry Collaboration Deals

Jamalpur Science and Technology University (JSTU) has signed memorandums of understanding with five organisations and companies to strengthen links between academic research and industry needs. The partnerships are designed to support joint research, innovation, technology transfer, skills development and industry-oriented education.

The agreements were signed on Saturday, October 3, at the university’s academic building premises during a seminar on academia-industry collaboration.

The seminar focused on the practical application of research findings, development of industry-oriented skills, technological advancement, workforce development and opportunities for collaborative research.

Speaking as the chief guest, University Grants Commission (UGC) member Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun said connecting university education and research with industry has become increasingly important.

He said research outcomes could be used more effectively when real-world industry needs and problems are incorporated into academic research.

He also stressed the importance of students developing proficiency in a third language alongside professional skills and job-oriented education.

During the seminar, Professor Abdullah-Al-Mamun also offered recommendations concerning JSTU’s full-scale campus development project, resolving manpower shortages, establishing a third-language education centre, constructing a student-teacher centre and increasing allocations for education and research.

He also encouraged students to become entrepreneurs through new innovations.

Special guest Dr Abdullah Majid Pramanik, acting Director General of the Rural Development Academy in Bogura, said effective communication between universities and relevant organisations is essential for applying research and innovation outcomes at the field level.

Such partnerships can facilitate knowledge and experience sharing while accelerating national development initiatives, he said.

JSTU Treasurer Professor Dr Mohammad Ali Hossain said academia-industry collaboration would give students greater exposure to real-world workplaces. Joint research and technology transfer could also make university research more application-oriented, he added.

JSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Amir Hossain chaired the programme. He said the initiative aims to connect the university’s education, research and innovation with the needs of industry and society.

He said the university would gradually take further initiatives to establish an effective framework for academia-industry collaboration at JSTU.

The five institutions that signed the agreements with JSTU are Biogene Cosmeceuticals, Rupol Integrate, Data Soft Manufacturing and Assembly Inc Ltd, Eco-Social Development Organization, and the Rural Development Academy in Bogura.

The agreements will create opportunities for collaboration in joint research, innovation, skills development, technology transfer and industry-linked educational activities.

The second session of the programme featured a discussion titled “Bangladesh Through the Eyes of Youth.” Students participated actively and raised issues including the introduction of programmes aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, expanded internship opportunities, and improvements in education and research.

The chief guest and other participants expressed positive views on the issues raised by the students.

According to university sources, JSTU plans to organise more seminars, symposiums and other activities to strengthen academia-industry collaboration. The university said the large-scale seminar, organised for the first time at JSTU, saw significant participation from teachers, students, officers and employees.

//DBTech/JNU/SMP/BPC//