RMSTU hosts 'Frugal Innovation Challenge 2027 Outreach Programme'

Rangamati Science and Technology University (RMSTU) hosted the Frugal Innovation Challenge 2027 Outreach Programme, organised by BRAC Social Innovation Lab, at the conference room of Academic Building-1 on Monday.

RMSTU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shafiqul Islam attended the programme as the chief guest.

In his address, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor encouraged students to form teams comprising members from different departments and academic batches and participate in the innovation competition to showcase the university's potential in addressing the challenges of climate change.

He discussed various areas where students could develop innovative projects, including increasing fish production in Kaptai Lake, improving fishing practices, creating alternative livelihood opportunities for fishermen during fishing ban periods, protecting mother fish in the Halda River, providing updated information on natural disasters, and safeguarding the environment and disadvantaged local communities.

He also expressed his sincere gratitude to BRAC for organising the programme on the university campus and creating opportunities for students to engage with the organisation.

At the beginning of the programme, Samin Nawar Kashmi, Head of Innovation at BRAC Social Innovation Lab, briefed the participants on the activities of the lab. 

He encouraged students to submit innovative project proposals addressing climate-induced challenges faced by local communities in various sectors, including agriculture and livelihoods, financial protection, healthcare, urban life and water resource management.

Students have been invited to participate in the competition by forming teams of three to five members and submitting their proposals by November 25, 2026. The winning teams will receive financial support of Tk 100,000 each to implement their innovative projects, along with opportunities to participate in international conferences.

Mohammad Mokarram Hossain, Technical Adviser of BRAC's Ultra-Poor Graduation Programme, also delivered a presentation on the impacts of climate change in the Chattogram Hill Tracts and the region's adaptive capacity.

Senior BRAC officials, teachers and students from different departments of the university also attended the programme.

>>M. Nazim Uddin, Rangamati