The Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA) Project of the ICT Division organised the University Activation Programme 2025 at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology on Tuesday, aiming to encourage young innovators to transform ideas into viable startups.

The programme was held at the Mini Auditorium of Academic Building A, with participation from more than 150 students from various departments of the university. The sessions included interactive discussions, hands-on training and idea-pitching activities.

Professor Dr Md Ismail Hossain, Treasurer of the university, attended the programme as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasised the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among university students and urged them to utilise government-supported initiatives to turn innovative ideas into sustainable ventures.

The welcome address was delivered by Professor Dr Mohammad Shahidul Hoque, Dean of the School of Management and Business Administration, who highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between academia, industry and government to develop a resilient startup ecosystem.

Senior Consultant and Head of Operations of the iDEA Project Siddhartho Goushami, iDEA Project Consultant Abul Kalam Ahsanul Azad, and Syed Rezwanul Haque, Co-founder and Managing Director of Technext Limited, joined the programme as mentors and speakers. They conducted sessions on entrepreneurship development, idea validation and startup execution, sharing practical insights and real-world experiences with participants.

Three student teams presented their business ideas during the programme and received feedback from the mentors. Participants also engaged in mentoring sessions, interactive discussions and networking activities.

Special guests and advisers of the SUST Business Club, including Professor Dr Md Forhad Rabbi, Professor Dr Md Zillur Rahman, Professor Dr Md Mahbubul Hakim and Professor Md Monir Hossain (PhD), were also present and encouraged students to pursue innovation-driven careers alongside academic excellence.

Deputy Secretary and Deputy Project Director of the iDEA Project Mohammad Aminul Islam Khan delivered the closing remarks, reaffirming the ICT Division’s commitment to empowering youth through structured mentorship, startup resources and access to government funding.

The University Activation Programme is a nationwide initiative of the ICT Division, implemented by the iDEA Project, to identify and nurture promising student innovators and startups. The campus partner for the programme was SUST Business Club, coordinated by Startup Sylhet.