Salman inaugurates FBCCI Innovation & Research Center

The FBCCI Innovation and Research Center (FIRC), a pioneering venture initiated by the apex trade body (FBCCI) of the country, officially started its journey in Dhaka on Sunday.

Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman inaugurated the FBCCI Innovation and Research Center as the chief guest.

This Initiative of FBCCI is aimed at addressing the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution and fostering growth in the private sector through research and policy support.

FBCCI president Mahbubul Alam, former president Md. Jashim Uddin, former senior vice-president Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu and members of the Governing Body of FIRC were present at the inaugural programme, said a press release here on Monday.

BSS adds: Speaking on the occasion, Salman emphasized using this center as a training institute and advised bringing top trainers from other countries such as India, Malaysia, Thailand, and the USA. He also talked about "ToT" and shared his valuable ideas on building innovation, research and training floors.

After the inauguration, the second meeting of the Governing Body of FIRC was held with Chairman of this center and former president of the FBCCI Md. Jashim Uddin in the chair.

The FBCCI former president said that the FIRC would accelerate the ongoing progress of the country. He highlighted its mission to nurture skilled manpower and entrepreneurs across various sectors, including agro-business, light engineering and circular economy.

Jasim expressed his optimism that the center would become a driving force in propelling the private sector forward and addressing the challenges presented by the fourth industrial revolution through innovation, research and policy support.

The FBCCI Innovation & Research Centre has been committed to working with a number of partners from industry and academia which will make a positive impact on the business world. It has already formed a MoU with Faction AI, a USA-based Company to enhance cooperation in establishing the center.

MoU with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) are in progress.

Among Others, FBCCI vice-president and member of the FIRC governing body Shomi Kaiser, Abul Kashem Khan, Mohammad Ali Khokon, Shamim Ahmed, Nadia Binte Amin, and CEO of the center Bikarno Kumar Ghosh were present at the meeting.

The FIRC stands as a dedicated institution, firmly committed to advancing the realms of innovation and research within the borders of Bangladesh aiming to collaborate closely with the government to shape innovation policies and support industry-led research initiatives, bridging gaps between various sectors for sustainable growth.

It will be organised to promote Innovation and Research for all commercial organisations of Bangladesh especially member organisations of the FBCCI, and will bring together top-class researchers, trainers, and young professionals to develop and commercialize new technologies that have the potential to solve business's most pressing challenges.

FIRC will focus on innovation, research, training, and incubation. It has already planned to establish an innovation floor, research floor, training floor, amenities floor and reception as well.

The FIRC has formed a Panel of Advisors who will provide advisory support to FIRC on policy advocacy, skill development, education, and social welfare initiatives facilitation which will determine the rate and direction of technological learning and change, fostering economic growth and sustainable development of individuals and societies in Bangladesh and beyond.

Any adult citizen of Bangladesh who must be a member of the FBCCI having zeal in social and philanthropic activities pursuant to the aim and objective of the Centre may become a member of the Centre subject to the approval of the governing body. Membership shall be categorized as founder members, life members, corporate members, and honorary members.