GPH Ispat, Buet’s RISE forge deal on intellectual property management

GPH Ispat Limited has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Research and Innovation Centre for Science and Engineering (RISE) at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), with the objective of strengthening intellectual property (IP) management and fostering innovation across academia and industry.

Mohammed Jahangir Alam, chairman of GPH Group and managing director of GPH Ispat Limited, and Prof Mohammad Shariful Islam, director of RISE, signed the agreement on the university campus in Dhaka today, according to a press release.

Addressing the event as chief guest, Prof ABM Badruzzaman, vice-chancellor of Buet, remarked: "GPH Ispat's initiative is truly commendable, as it accords the highest importance to intellectual property. Through this endeavour, we shall be able to safeguard the ownership of our innovations and research outcomes."

He further observed: "In the past, many intellectual assets were lost due to a lack of prioritisation. I am hopeful this initiative will open new avenues of opportunity."

Prof Islam stated: "The vision of RISE is to align research and innovation with the needs of industry and society, thereby transforming Bangladesh into a knowledge-driven economy. I firmly believe this agreement marks a significant step towards realising that vision."

Alam commented: "This initiative represents a concerted effort to preserve and harness research outcomes through patents. In doing so, we shall be able to mitigate brain drain and connect the knowledge and expertise of talented students and researchers for the nation's advancement."

Under the memorandum of agreement on Intellectual Property Management at Buet, GPH Ispat will support RISE in organising workshops and seminars to raise awareness of the importance, benefits, and procedures of patent registration.

These initiatives will encompass both individual and collective intellectual property, while also acquainting students, faculty, and researchers with relevant IP legislation.

Looking ahead, GPH Ispat intends to broaden the initiative nationwide by engaging with government and non-government bodies, large and small industries, and business clusters in sectors such as light engineering, cottage industries, ICT, agriculture, and healthcare.

Through this, the company aspires to establish a robust platform for innovators from diverse fields, facilitating knowledge transfer and fostering collaboration.

Prof Abdul Hasib Chowdhury, pro-vice-chancellor of Buet, among others, was also present.