Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) has organised a day-long seminar focusing on connecting university research and innovation with industries to ensure practical applications and opening up diverse career opportunities for students beyond conventional employment.
The seminar was held in two sessions at Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium on Saturday afternoon, reads a press release.
The sessions were titled ‘Connecting Research with Markets: Unlocking the Potential of GAU Innovations through Industry-Academia Partnerships’ for industry entrepreneurs and stakeholders, and ‘Beyond the Degree: Navigating Diverse Career Pathways for GAU Graduates’ for students.
GAU Vice-Chancellor GKM Mostafizur Rahman chaired the event, while University Grants Commission (UGC) member Abdullah Al-Mamun attended as the chief guest.
GAU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Md Zahidur Rahman and Treasurer Md Shafiul Islam Afrad attended as special guests. Farhana Yasmin, director of the university’s Centre for Outreach, moderated the programme.
The two sessions discussed the potential for connecting university research and innovation with industries and markets, the practical application of research findings, and the commercialisation of innovations. Discussions also focused on helping students explore career opportunities beyond conventional jobs based on their interests, skills and entrepreneurial aspirations.
Representatives from 30 public and private industrial organisations, along with the university’s deans, directors, teachers, registrar, proctor, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and other stakeholders, attended the seminar.
At the beginning, Shafiul delivered the welcome address and outlined the background of the seminar. A documentary on the university’s research, innovation and development activities was also screened.
In his presidential address, VC Mostafizur said, “Connecting university research and innovation with industries can open up new opportunities for the national economy. At the same time, we must harness students’ knowledge, skills and creativity to build a self-reliant and innovative generation.”
He highlighted the importance of the practical application of research, industry-academia collaboration and the university’s role in developing skilled human resources.
Later, the vice-chancellor presented a commemorative crest to the chief guest.
An open discussion and question-and-answer session followed, bringing together the GAU vice-chancellor, UGC members, industry representatives, teachers and students. Chief guest Abdullah Al-Mamun moderated the session.
Industry entrepreneurs and teachers highlighted the need for effective application of research-based knowledge and technology, commercialisation of innovations, stronger collaboration between industries and universities, and research aligned with market demands.
Students, meanwhile, shared their views and raised questions about government initiatives and plans for young people.
In his address, Abdullah said young people’s innovative potential and technology-based skills must be harnessed to implement the prime minister’s announced programme, ‘Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh, Sobar Age Bangladesh’ (We will work, build the country, Bangladesh comes first).
Referring to allocations of Tk500 crore for the startup sector and Tk800 crore for creative industries in the 2026-27 fiscal year, he stressed the importance of creating young entrepreneurs.
He also said developing skilled human resources in information and communication technology (ICT), learning a third language, and ensuring the proper and ethical use of data and artificial intelligence (AI) were essential to remaining competitive globally.
He called for connecting university research and innovation with industries and startups to create employment opportunities and contribute to national development.
The programme concluded with a photo session attended by the guests and industry representatives. Zahidur delivered the vote of thanks, formally bringing the seminar to a close.
