Innovation continues to shape how we look at and solve problems. It plays a critical role in addressing the socio-economic objectives of a nation. Studies have confirmed that it contributes to a nation’s economic growth and sustainable development in the long-run. Keeping these relationships between innovation and development, DU Innovation and Incubation Lab (DU i-Lab), organized several events on Innovation and Creativity on July 29 and July 30, 2016 to accelerate innovation in Bangladesh.
Workshop on “Innovation and Creativity”
Around 65 students from different academic discipline attended the workshop, organized in partnership with KolpoKoushol, an initiative of MIT Alumni. The objective of the workshop was to foster creativity and innovation among the students from different disciplines through an interdisciplinary approach, and to embed a culture of problem solving to tackle social and economic challenges in the most innovative way. The workshop had sessions titled “Starting from Nothing: Introducing Innovation”, “Re-thinking our Future: Unconventional Ways of Innovation” and “Connecting Ideas: Information and Collaboration for Innovation”.
Discussion on “Importance of Collaboration for Promoting Innovation in Bangladesh”
Professor Dr. A A M S Arefin Siddique, Vice Chancellor, University of Dhaka, and Chairman, DU i-Lab moderated the discussion. Mr. Joe Hyun-Gue, Country Director, KOICA Bangladesh, mentors from the Kolpokoushol, and faculty members from different discipline of the University of Dhaka attended the discussion. Dr. Siddique mentioned the importance of innovative thinking to address various business and social challenges. While highlighting the importance of collaboration among different stakeholders, he also mentioned the necessity of having innovation labs at the school level across the different parts of the country to encourage innovation and creativity.
Seminars on “Innovation for Sustainable Development: Role of Academia” and “Thinking Together-Discourse Around Innovation and Creativity: Insights from the KolpoKoushol Mentors”
Two separate seminars were conducted to further discuss the importance of innovation for sustainable development and how innovation and creativity are often fostered through the exchange of ideas and information. The participants shared their views on the challenges hindering an effective innovative culture in Bangladesh. A number of recommendations related to the role of academia in accelerating innovation in Bangladesh came out during the seminar.
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About DU Innovation and Incubation Lab (DU i-Lab)
The DU Innovation and Incubation Lab (DU i-Lab) is a facility where students and faculty members from the different disciplines and employees of the University of Dhaka can collaborate and work together to address various social challenges, and create and develop businesses through innovative products/services/solutions in Bangladesh. The vision of DU i-Lab is to be the innovation ambassador and platform in Bangladesh.
