BUET and GPH ispat join hands on intellectual property drive

GPH Ispat Ltd and BUET's RISE have signed a memorandum of agreement to advance intellectual property (IP) management, aiming to drive national innovation in both academia and industry.

Under the agreement, GPH Ispat will help RISE conduct workshops and seminars on patent filing and IP. These will raise awareness of both individual and collective IP, and introduce students, faculty, and researchers to the relevant laws.

This initiative accelerates Bangladesh's path toward a knowledge-based economy by equipping innovators to protect and commercialize their work. It targets local innovation recognition, income generation, and talent retention.

GPH Ispat plans to expand the initiative nationwide. It will involve government and private organizations, industries, and business clusters in sectors such as ICT, agriculture, light engineering, and healthcare.

BUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Abu Borhan Mohammad Badruzzaman attended as the Chief Guest Mr Mohammed Jahangir Alam, Chairman of GPH Group and Managing Director of GPH Ispat Ltd, was the Special Guest. BUET Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Abdul Hasib Chowdhury was the Guest of Honour. Professor Dr Mohammad Shariful Islam, Director of RISE, presided over the event.

Mr Mohammed Jahangir Alam stated, "This initiative seeks to preserve and utilize research outcomes through patents. By facilitating this, we aim to prevent brain drain and link the knowledge and expertise of talented students and researchers to the nation's development."

Professor Dr Abu Borhan Mohammad Badruzzaman commented, "GPH Ispat's initiative underscores the importance of intellectual property. Previously, insufficient emphasis led to the loss of intellectual assets, but I am optimistic that this effort will open new opportunities."

Professor Dr Abdul Hasib Chowdhury observed that, in addition to industry, investment and research in agriculture, education, and energy are essential to support the country's move toward sustainable development.

Presiding over the ceremony, Professor Dr Mohammad Shariful Islam remarked, "This memorandum of agreement represents a commitment to advancing Bangladesh toward a knowledge-based economy."

This collaboration is a pivotal step in empowering Bangladesh's journey to becoming a smart, innovative, and self-reliant nation through robust IP and innovation management.