Dhaka: Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam highlighted the necessity of transforming knowledge and research into practical market solutions at a press briefing in the Ministry of Science and Technology. He emphasized the need for financing, policy support, industry partnerships, intellectual property rights protection, and market access for innovators.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Anam addressed the media on the Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026, set to take place from September 12 to 14 at the Novo Theatre in Dhaka. The fair aims to connect innovation initiatives with investment and market opportunities, addressing a key challenge in the innovation ecosystem. More than 100 innovators will display over 1,000 innovations, with participation from 73 universities and various financial and industrial organizations.
The minister advocated for collaboration among government, academia, industry, and investors to establish a sustainable innovation ecosystem. He encouraged stakeholders, including the media, to support the fair, expressing hope that it will propel Bangladesh towards becoming a more competitive nation.
Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain announced that the fair will feature 17 sessions, with discussions focused on identifying necessary innovations and support structures. He also mentioned plans to develop an "Innovation Hub" post-fair to foster the growth of promising innovations.
The fair's policy partners include Bangladesh Bank and the National Board of Revenue, with technical and strategic support from the UNDP and FICCI, respectively. The event will prioritize sectors like digital technology, healthcare, AI, agriculture, fintech, and more, aiming to enhance the integration between innovation and market demands. The Ministry of Science and Technology is organizing the fair, implemented by the National Science and Technology Museum and Spellbound Communications Limited.