DIU launches AI research lab

The “Artificial Intelligence Research Lab” has been launched at Daffodil International University (DIU) to build a strong foundation for the country’s digital transformation through the visionary initiatives taken by the Bangladesh government in the ICT sector. This initiative will further strengthen mutual cooperation between academia, industry, and the government, and create an ecosystem that will accelerate innovation as well as make a meaningful contribution towards the country’s AI-driven future.

On July 11, BNP Central Committee Member and Minister of Posts, Telecommunication and ICT and Science and Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, MP, inaugurated the “Artificial Intelligence Research Lab” and “AI Project Competition 2026” as the chief guest.

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The event was presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr Md Sabur Khan, and was addressed by DIU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr M R Kabir, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Md Masum Iqbal, and Head of the Department of Computing and Information Systems Prof. Dr Md Sarwar Hossain Mollah.

The chief guest stated that AI is not merely a technology; it is a key driving force behind the future economy, employment, innovation, and national competitiveness. The government is attaching the utmost importance to developing a skilled workforce in AI technology and fostering an environment conducive to research and innovation.

The minister stated that the university-based AI research lab would serve as a hub for research, innovation, and technological excellence. He further added that AI is currently bringing about significant changes in nearly every aspect of daily life, ranging from education, health, agriculture, industry, and business to administration. Therefore, there is no alternative to research, innovation, and the development of a skilled workforce in order to build a new Bangladesh.

The minister also noted that the government's sustained initiatives in the information and communication technology sector have established a robust foundation for the country's digital transformation, and various programmes are being implemented to cultivate a skilled workforce equipped for the future. He expressed hope that Daffodil International University's AI research lab would strengthen effective collaboration among the country's education, industry, and government sectors, and play a pivotal role in building a robust innovation ecosystem.

The minister further stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman considers today's young generation to be the primary driving force behind the Bangladesh of tomorrow. He mentioned that the most promising and best AI projects developed by Daffodil University students would receive comprehensive support through the government, the ICT Ministry’s startup fund, and other platforms. Additionally, the minister highlighted various government initiatives aimed at extending AI training centers and satellite-based internet facilities to the grassroots level across the country.

Dr Md Sabur Khan stated that he envisions transforming DIU into an AI-centric university, rather than merely an AI-supported one. He noted that the university is taking steps to ensure all necessary facilities for this purpose. He further added that it is possible to solve various social problems through the use of AI by the university's students. He assured full cooperation regarding the commercialisation of projects developed by the students.

This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with 25 NVIDIA DGX-based PCs and five high-performance computers featuring specialised RTX 3060 and 4090 GPUs. Five skilled, full-time researchers are deployed at the lab to solve complex real-world problems, develop AI agents, and create AI-driven product solutions. The lab's research team has already developed groundbreaking solutions such as “AI Professor”, “AI Proctor”, and “AI Registrar”, and work is currently underway on their “Smart Classroom” project.

Later, the minister distributed awards to 12 winning teams across six categories, selected from the 145 projects showcased at the AI ​​project exhibition.