Dhaka: The 'Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026' began today in the capital's Novo Theatre aimed at establishing effective linkages among innovation, research, industry, and entrepreneurs, and transforming innovation into market and economic activities. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the three-day event as the chief guest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the fair is organized under the theme 'Innovation Ecosystem Toward Trillion Dollar Economy'. The main objective is to bring innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, industry, investors, policymakers, universities, and development partners onto an integrated national platform. This initiative aims to transform ideas and research into practical applications, ventures, and marketable products, building a strong Integrated National Innovation Ecosystem (INIE).
The event features one Innovation Hub, over 1,000 innovations, more than 15 sessions and dialogues, participation from over 50 universities, more than 100 industry experts, and over 50 corporate organizations, as per a ministry press release. The fair connects innovators with domestic and foreign industrial enterprises, investors, banks, financial institutions, and government decision-makers, creating opportunities for B2B matchmaking and green transition-based partnerships.
Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam and Prime Minister's Adviser on Science and Technology and Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad were present as special guests at the opening ceremony. During the three-day event, plenaries, sessions, and roundtable discussions will be held on various important aspects of the innovation-driven economy, including transport and logistics, communication infrastructure, climate resilience, STEM education, and more.
The fair emphasizes the concept of 'Innovate to Market', linking innovation with industry, investment, and markets to transform it into products and services usable by people. Organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology and implemented by the National Science and Technology Museum, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is associated as the technical partner. Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026 will serve as a crucial national platform in linking the country's innovation and research with industry and markets, contributing to building a knowledge-based, technology-driven, and innovation-oriented economy for future Bangladesh.