The three-day Bangladesh Innovation Fair commenced on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Bangabandhu Novo Theatre on Bijoy Sarani in the capital. Prime Minister Tareque Rahman inaugurated this fair, organized under the theme 'Innovate to Market'. Various public and private institutions, 73 universities, and numerous innovators and researchers are participating in this fair with their self-developed innovative initiatives. Organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the fair showcases innovations and ideas from various sectors including technology, business, education, health, agriculture, and environment. Among these, the solar-powered passenger vehicle 'Sun Car' and the 'Solar Sech' (Solar Irrigation) pump have particularly become a focal point of immense interest among visitors.
At the fair, the University of Global Village is showcasing its innovative solar-powered four-wheeled 'Sun Car,' which is considered an eco-friendly alternative to passenger auto-rickshaws. This vehicle can carry three passengers, including the driver, and its specialty is that it can automatically charge its battery from sunlight while running. Imran Chowdhury, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Global Village, stated, 'The passenger vehicle we have developed, named Sun Car, runs entirely on solar power. Even without sunlight, it can run for approximately five hours. It has been developed as an alternative to pedal-powered and electric rickshaws, and being a four-wheeler, it is relatively less prone to accidents. The estimated cost to build this vehicle is 150,000 Taka, which is expected to pave the way for its commercialization.'
Students from Independent University, Bangladesh, are also exhibiting their self-developed solar-powered irrigation pump 'Solar Sech,' as well as electric motorbikes and cars, at the fair. Imtiaz Ahmed, a part-time lecturer at the university, said about their innovations, 'We have developed electric bikes and cars that are fuel-efficient and eco-friendly. However, one of our most significant innovations is the solar-powered pump 'Solar Sech.' Suitable for irrigating agricultural land, this pump can draw 500 liters of water in just 20 seconds, which could revolutionize the country's agricultural sector.' This innovation is expected to play a crucial role in reducing irrigation costs for farmers while also contributing to environmental conservation.
The Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) is showcasing its innovative firearm prototype, 'Choukos Prohori' (Smart Sentinel), which could open new horizons in the security sector. Jawadur Rahman, a cybersecurity researcher at MIST, stated, 'There are many remote areas along our borders that are not easily accessible, and these areas carry a risk of criminal activities. Technologies capable of automatic firing exist in countries like India and China. Our 'Choukos Prohori' firearm, being equipped with a camera, can be operated remotely and can function both automatically and with human assistance, which will play an effective role in securing remote areas.'
An organization named 'Shunno' (Zero) is displaying plates and glasses made from sugarcane bagasse using its own technology, setting a new precedent in preventing environmental pollution. Akil Ahmed, the founder of the organization, said, 'We primarily work with discarded parts or waste from sugarcane. Using sugarcane waste, we are producing single-use plates and glasses that are eco-friendly. The price of these products is almost similar to plastic plates and glasses, but unlike plastic, they do not harm the environment.' This innovation is expected to gain widespread popularity as an alternative to single-use plastics, thereby playing an effective role in environmental protection.
In addition to the exhibition, the Bangladesh Innovation Fair is hosting discussions, dialogues, sessions, and roundtables on various important topics. These events will cover aspects such as innovation, research, technology utilization, investment, entrepreneurship development, and strategies for commercializing innovations. These sessions are expected to serve as inspiration for new innovators and open new doors of opportunity for investors.
An international session on healthcare is scheduled to be held on the second day of the fair. This session will feature detailed discussions on the use of technology and innovation to ensure affordable and inclusive healthcare. The fair also emphasizes how innovators' ideas can be transformed into reality and utilized for the greater welfare of society.
