BAU Innovation Hub fosters startup spirit among young innovators

BAU Correspondent:

The spirit of youth innovation took center stage at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) as aspiring entrepreneurs showcased their ideas during the Final Pitch Presentation Day of the University Innovation Hub Program (UIHP). After nearly three months of mentorship and prototype development, the participating teams presented their innovative projects before the jury. The event took place on Friday (October 24) at the Central Library Conference Hall of BAU.

Chief Guest Monjur Mohammad Shahriar, Project Director of the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA), graced the occasion. Also present were Professor Dr. Zoarder Faruque Ahmed, President and Focal Point of BAU Innovation Hub, members Professor Dr. Md. Shahiduzzaman and Professor Dr. Md. Rostom Ali, and Jakera Rahman, UIHP’s University Innovation Hub Manager. The program was conducted by Nahian Bin Abdullah, Senior Program Officer of UIHP.

Launched on August 1, the third and fourth cohorts of UIHP at BAU began with 18 teams. Following intensive mentorship, 12 teams (six from each cohort) presented their final prototypes before the jury. In total, Tk 5,50,000 in pre-seed funding was awarded — with Cohort 3 winners receiving Tk 2.8 lakh and Cohort 4 winners receiving Tk 2.7 lakh.

Previously, the first and second cohorts were successfully completed, and the fifth and sixth cohorts are scheduled to begin after January next year.

The jury panel included Abdullah Al Mamun from DEIID, Professor Dr. Zoarder Faruque Ahmed from BAU, Md. Nizamul Alam from the ICT Ministry, and Md. Mahabul Alam, Acting Assistant Project Director of DEIID under BHTPA.

In Innovation Cohort 3, ‘Sohojayon’ emerged as the champion, receiving Tk 50,000 as pre-seed funding. In Cohort 4, ‘iFishGaurd’ secured the top position and was awarded Tk 55,000.

Speaking as the chief guest, Monjur Mohammad Shahriar emphasized the importance of learning and growth beyond funding: “Receiving pre-seed funding is not the ultimate success. The real achievement lies in how far you can take yourself forward. It’s about transforming your idea into a viable business and understanding how to commercialize it. I hope you take your ideas to the next level and contribute to strengthening Bangladesh’s innovation ecosystem.”

The University Innovation Hub Program (UIHP) is a World Bank-funded initiative implemented by the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority. Currently active in 11 universities across the country, the program aims to transform youth-driven, technology-based ideas into viable entrepreneurial ventures.