GPH Ispat, BUET's RISE team up on IP management

GPH Ispat Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with the Research and Innovation Center for Science and Engineering (RISE) of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) to strengthen intellectual property (IP) management and promote innovation across academia and industry, says a press release.

Under the "MoA on Intellectual Property Management of BUET", GPH Ispat will support RISE in conducting workshops and seminars to raise awareness on the importance, benefits, and processes of patent filing. These initiatives will cover both individual and collective intellectual property, while also familiarizing students, faculty, and researchers with relevant IP laws.

This collaboration is envisioned to help Bangladesh transition towards a knowledge-based economy by enabling innovators to protect their work for prototyping, development, and commercialization. It is aimed to generate new income opportunities, enhance recognition for local innovations, and address the critical challenge of brain drain.

Looking ahead, GPH Ispat plans to extend this initiative nationwide by engaging with government and non-government institutions, large and small industries, and business clusters across key sectors, including light engineering, ICT, agriculture, and healthcare. By doing so, the company seeks to build a strong platform for innovators from diverse backgrounds, enabling seamless knowledge transfer and fostering collaboration.

At the signing ceremony, BUET Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Abu Borhan Mohammad Badruzzaman was present as the Chief Guest, while Mohammed Jahangir Alam, Chairman of GPH Group and Managing Director of GPH Ispat Ltd, was present as the special guest. BUET Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Abdul Hasib Chowdhury joined as the guest of honour.

The event was presided over by Prof Dr Mohammad Shariful Islam, Director of RISE, who also addressed the ceremony.