Govt programs university-based tech innovation hubs
University-heading students aspiring to get tech-entrepreneurs are placed to obtain a shot on the arm as the government is likely to create innovation hubs at both public and private universities to build up digital entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems.
Mostly seven universities will be selected just as the hubs where interested students will be shortlisted, selected and trained and facilitated with funds and work place to get started on their own business.
A good proposal of the ICT ministry will be positioned at the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council for approval today.
The implementing agency, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, already received names of 19 universities from the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh.
Universities that may facilitate spaces of 3,000 sq ft to 5,000 sq ft will be eligible for the innovation hub, a higher official of the authority told The Daily Star.
If the project is approved, a campaign will be carried out to create interest among students of the selected universities about the initiative.
After a short selection, several students will be taught about business models, producing commercially viable goods and its markets.
Then, eligible students are certain to get funds from different projects of Environment Bank, International Production Association, start-up projects, the ICT ministry and other private organization entities and housed at different high-tech parks.
The Tk 353.06 crore project will also take up initiatives such as for example establishment of an green "Janata Tower Software program Technology Park-2" near Application Technology Park in Janata Tower at Karwan Bazar in the administrative centre.
Other ideas include creation of start-up facilities in four software technology parks and establishment of four labs as prevalent facilities to be employed by various institutions.
It is also targeted at creating skilled manpower for conducting advancement activities in program parks, connecting investors with start-ups, informing and engaging the general public about start-ups and innovation actions and renovating the prevailing setting up of Janata Tower Application Park as an attractive software park setting up various facilities.
Of the price, Tk 98.06 crore should come from government sources and the others Tk 255 crore from World Bank as a loan.
The project will need necessary steps to operate a university-centric innovation hub and provide start-up facilities to new entrepreneurs.
According to professionals, these innovation hubs can play a pivotal function to make vibrant the high-tech parks which are failing to meet expectations.
"It's a great move in principle. Even so, universities should be selected predicated on their potential. Besides, innovation hubs ought to be well supervised," Fouzul Kabir Khan, a ex - secretary to the government and large project consultant, informed The Daily Star yesterday.
"If you locate these hubs at a university which has no capacity, which will be a loss task," he said.
The government is setting up over 28 high-tech parks to create an investment-friendly environment and create employment through the growth and creation of information technology-based industries.
It also programs to create high-tech parks in 64 districts.
Janata Tower Program Technology Park in Dhaka, Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City found in Gazipur, Sheikh Hasina Software Technology Park found in Jessore, Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Center in Natore and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Hi-Tech Park found in Rajshahi has recently become operational.
