UGC Plans Technology Transfer Offices and Startup Incubators

The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) is planning to increase funding for collaborative research, establish Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) and develop startup incubators at universities to help bring laboratory innovations and knowledge into industry and commercial use. The initiative aims to connect academic research with practical problem-solving, technological innovation and industrial productivity.

UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed announced the plans while speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the three-day Fifth International Conference on Innovations in Science, Engineering and Technology at the International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC) on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

He said university research should not remain limited to writing, reviewing and publishing academic papers. Instead, its outcomes should be applied to solving real-world problems, developing new technologies and improving industrial productivity.

He added that research success should not be measured solely by the number of publications or citations. The development of new technologies, functional prototypes and the protection of intellectual property should also be considered important measures of research achievement.

Professor Mamun Ahmed observed that industries in Bangladesh still depend heavily on foreign sources for various technologies, software and consultancy services, although university teachers and researchers have the capacity to develop local solutions.

As examples, he referred to automated supply-chain management systems for Chattogram Port, the use of AI-based automation technologies in ready-made garment factories and improvements in the efficiency of the electricity transmission system.

The UGC chairman urged industries to invest in university research laboratories to address such challenges. He also called on researchers to move beyond laboratory settings and engage directly with factories to identify practical industrial needs and develop effective technological solutions.

He said stronger partnerships between universities and industries would enable research outcomes to be integrated directly into production and economic activities.

The chairman said the UGC was taking initiatives to increase funding for applied research conducted jointly with industries. It also plans to connect Bangladeshi scientists with advanced international laboratories and research networks. This would create opportunities to apply global research knowledge, experience and technologies to the country's needs.

Outlining the plan to establish Technology Transfer Offices at universities, he said the offices would create institutional mechanisms for protecting intellectual property generated through university research, securing patents and licensing technologies to industries.

The UGC is also planning to provide strategic grants to establish startup incubators at universities. These facilities are expected to help transform students' innovative ideas into business ventures, develop young entrepreneurs and create new employment opportunities.

Highlighting the role of research and innovation in achieving the country's target of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy and creating 10 million high-value jobs over the next five years, Professor Mamun Ahmed said universities must be developed as centres of knowledge, technology and innovation.

He stressed the need to strengthen domestic capabilities through research and innovation in promising sectors, including information and communication technology, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, light engineering and biotechnology. He also called for following the National Innovation Policy and strengthening coordination among research institutions, industries and entrepreneurs.

The opening ceremony was chaired by IIUC Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Ali Azad. Speakers included IIUC Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Hasmat Ali; Treasurer Professor Dr Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman; Professor Dr Sudan Jha of Kathmandu University, Nepal; Dr Ajni Hasilijan Binte Abi Halim of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia; IEEE Bangladesh Section President Professor Dr M. Imam Ul Hasan Bhuiyan; and IIUC professors Dr Engineer Md Raju Ahmed, Dr Shikder Sanbim Islam and Dr Mohammad Shamsul Alam.

Teachers and officials from the conference organising committee were also present. Vice-chancellors, teachers, researchers and students from various private universities in the Chattogram region are participating in the conference.

//DBTech/MJR/SME/MSI//