Rabindra Maitree University proudly announces the establishment of the Center for Innovation (CFI) to foster creativity, interdisciplinary research, and technological advancement. On March 4, 2025, the Vice-Chancellor formed a committee headed by Dr. Fariha Jasin Mansur of Microbiology department, with Mr.  Mofrad Hossain (Business), Mr. Kamrul Islam (CSE), Mr. Rashedur Rahman Tanvir (Agriculture), Mr. Abu Daud Mohammad Maruf (EEE), Mr. Shariful Islam (IT Officer) as members and Ms. Promita Haque (AO) as secretary.

The CFI is set to play a pivotal role in promoting innovation through a comprehensive one-year plan. Key initiatives include framing operational guidelines, developing an innovation lab, launching research grants, initiating interdisciplinary collaborations, and building strong industry and community partnerships. The center will also organize a training/workshop on immersive technologies and entrepreneurship, run a startup mentorship program, facilitate faculty-student exchange, and host an annual innovation fair.

CFI aims to empower students and faculty with resources and opportunities to innovate and lead. The university looks forward to publishing its first annual report highlighting its achievements and impact.

Contact:

Ms. Promita Haque

Administrative Officer

Focal Point 

Mobile: 01756-298322

Email: cfi@rmu.ac.bd 

Plans for 2025 Academic Year

1. Frame a guideline for Center for Innovation 
2. Develop innovation lab
3. Initiate research grant program for faculty members and students 
4. Initiate interdisciplinary research collaboration program 
5. Industry and community collaboration/engagement program (at least 2)
6. Organize trainings/workshops on immersive technologies, entrepreneurship and research method (1)
7. Faculty and student exchange program (home/abroad) (at least 1)
8. Organize a startup mentorship program for students with innovative business ideas (1)
9. Host innovation fair (1)
10. Publish annual report

1. CFI-Guideline

Vision

To foster a culture of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and social impact by encouraging creative solutions and technology-driven initiatives across all disciplines.

Mission

To provide institutional support for innovative ideas, research, and industry linkages that contribute to academic excellence, community development, and national progress.

2. Key Objectives

3. Promote innovation in teaching, research, and entrepreneurship.
4. Support interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration.
5. Encourage faculty and student participation in solution-focused initiatives.
6. Establish innovation ecosystems including labs, fairs, and mentorship programs.
7. Provide funding and incubation support.
8. Publish outcomes and showcase success through annual reports and public events.

3.Core Activities

1. Policy and strategy development – Frame policies, strategies, and annual action plans.
2. Innovation lab–Establish, operate and maintain a functional lab for prototyping, experimenting, and ideation.
3. Research grant programs– Offer seed grants for faculty and student-led innovative projects.
4. Interdisciplinary collaboration–Facilitate cross-departmental research and problem-solving initiatives.
5. Industry and community collaboration– Organize joint projects, MoUs, field labs, and pilot programs with industry and community organizations.
6. Training and capacity building– Host workshops/seminars on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.
7. Exchange and mentorship programs – Coordinate national/international exchange and mentorship networks.
8. Innovation fair and knowledge sharing – Organize innovation fair and regular events.
9. Documentation and reporting– Maintain records, assess impact, and publish reports.

4. Governance Structure

Office of the CFI 

The CFI shall be operated under a separate office comprising personnel as determined by the authority in line with the university organogram.

CFI Committee

The university authority may form a committee for the smooth functioning of the center. The number of members and terms and conditions shall be determined by the authority.

Reporting and oversight

The committee reports to the Vice Chancellor annually. Budget proposals and activity reports must be approved through standard university procedures.

5. General Guidelines

6. All activities must follow ethical, inclusive, and sustainable practices.
7. Faculty and students from all departments are encouraged to participate.
8. Collaboration with external partners should be based on formal agreements.
9. Outputs must be documented and, where applicable, protected under IP rights.

6. Review and Revision

This guideline will be reviewed annually and revised as necessary by the office of the CFI/CFI committee in consultation with the authority following the proper procedures.