KU ranks among top five universities at Innovation Fair.
Khulna University (KU) has been recognised as one of the top five universities in the country at the Bangladesh Innovation Fair-2026, with one of its projects securing second place nationally in the individual category.
Nine innovative teams from KU participated in the three-day fair, which concluded at Novo Theatre in Dhaka on Monday, said a KU press release today.
CSE discipline student Azmain Inkiad Haque’s “Smart Wheelchair” project secured second place nationally in the individual category.
Finance and Planning Adviser to the Prime Minister Prof Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir handed over prizes to the winners at the closing and prize-giving ceremony. ICT Division Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan attended the programme as special guest.
The fair, which kicked off on Saturday, was organised under the theme “Innovation Ecosystem Toward Trillion Dollar Economy”. It brought together universities, research organisations, industries, entrepreneurs and innovators from across the country.
The Smart Wheelchair project -- selected from 963 innovative projects -- first made its position to the top 50 and then the top 10 before securing second place nationally in the individual category, according to a press release.
Team leader Azmain Inkiad Haque also got an opportunity to present the innovation before Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The project aims to develop a comparatively low-cost wheelchair with an alternative control system for people with disabilities. Instead of the conventional joystick, it allows users to operate the wheelchair using different movable parts of the body.
Fairoz Jahin Khan, associated with the project, said its initial version could be developed at a cost of around Tk 30,000.
Under the “Innovate to Market” initiative, the project received Tk 100,000 as prize money and has opportunities to receive further funding. Several organisations have expressed interest in providing financial and other support after the project was showcased at the fair.
The nine KU teams were - Smart Wheelchair, Neo Saver, AI-based Campus Security, Bliss Sihat, High Voltage Energy-Efficient 3D Printer, Ecolink, AI-powered ECG Screening Device, True-Sight and Urban Earth. Neo Saver had earlier received seed funding in the best innovative project category.
KU Innovation Hub Director Dr G M Atikur Rahman said innovative teams are selected, mentored and funded through the University Innovation Hub Programme, while necessary training is provided to help them present their innovations at the national level.
“The success of the KU teams at this prestigious national event is the result of the hub’s continued efforts to nurture and support innovative ideas,” he said.
