To provide students with practical exposure to industry and facilitate knowledge exchange on agricultural technology and food security, Daffodil International University (DIU) organized the 17th edition of its Industry-Academia Lecture Series (IALS) on July 21 (Tuesday) at the International Conference Hall of Daffodil Smart City.
The session, titled "Post-Harvest Technology in the Field of Good Food for All," focused on post-harvest technology, food security, sustainable agriculture, and strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
A key feature of the program was the signing of three separate Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Krishibid Group Bangladesh (KGB) and three academic departments of DIU to promote industry-academia collaboration.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof Md Ali Afzal, founder of Krishibid Group Bangladesh, group managing director of Krishibid Group Bangladesh (KGB), and president of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (Rehab).
Among those present were Prof Mohammad Masum Iqbal, pro-vice chancellor of DIU; Mohammad Nadir Bin Ali, registrar; Prof SM Mahbub Ul Haque Majumder, dean; Amir Ahmed, head of the Department of Real Estate; Nizam Uddin, head of the Department of Nutrition and Food Engineering; Khandaker Moazzem Hossain, head of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology; Md Kamruzzaman, head of the Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Prof Md Belal Hossain, director of the Industrial Innovation Centre (IIC); Monowarul Islam Rebel, head of Industrial Linkage, Career Development Center (CDC); along with faculty members, students, and guests.
In his keynote address, Prof Ali Afzal highlighted the importance of effective post-harvest technologies, technological innovation in agriculture, ensuring food security, promoting sustainable farming practices, and reducing post-harvest losses.
He emphasized that close collaboration between universities and industry is essential for developing skilled human resources capable of addressing the evolving needs of Bangladesh's agricultural sector.
He also said: "Integrity, hard work, and innovative thinking are an entrepreneur's greatest strengths. In today's technology-driven world, young people have limitless opportunities. With determination, courage, and consistent effort, they can become the successful entrepreneurs of tomorrow and contribute significantly to the nation's progress."
During the program, DIU signed three separate MoUs with Krishibid Group Bangladesh involving the Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Department of Real Estate, and the Department of Nutrition and Food Engineering.
The agreements will facilitate joint research, student internships, industry-linked projects, guest lectures, workshops, and collaboration in curriculum development.
The organizers said the Industry-Academia Lecture Series is designed to provide students with direct interaction with experienced industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and researchers, enabling them to gain practical knowledge beyond the classroom.
This season also introduced a structured assessment framework to evaluate student participation and learning outcomes.
At the end of the program, students took part in an online assessment designed to evaluate their understanding of the lecture, analytical ability, practical application of knowledge, and originality.
The top 10 performers received certificates of recognition along with special discounts on selected courses offered by the e-learning platform GoEdu.
The Career Development Center (CDC) of DIU served as strategic partner of the Industry-Academia Lecture Series, while GoEdu supported the program as the e-learning partner.