PM Pledges Support for Innovators, Tech Startups

Members of the world champion MIST MAVIROV team, winners of the MATE ROV International Underwater Robot Competition 2026, met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting innovators, researchers and technology entrepreneurs, saying young innovators will play a key role in building a technology-driven Bangladesh.

"Young innovators are the future of Bangladesh. The government will always stand by them in their research, technological innovation and startup initiatives," he said.

The prime minister made the remarks while meeting members of the MIST MAVIROV team, winners of the MATE ROV International Underwater Robot Competition 2026, at the Prime Minister's Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to his Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddhowla (Sujan Mahmud).

Congratulating the team on its global success, Tarique Rahman said the achievement had enhanced Bangladesh's reputation and reflected the country's growing technological capabilities.

The championship-winning team, made up of students from the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), secured first place at the MATE ROV International Underwater Robot Competition 2026, held in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, from June 23 to 29.

Competing against 88 teams from 18 countries, the Bangladeshi team outperformed participants from leading universities in the United States, Canada, China and Saudi Arabia. The United States finished second, while Canada came third.

During the meeting, the students demonstrated their award-winning underwater robot and explained its design, capabilities and potential applications.

The prime minister assured them of government support for further research, technological development, commercialisation and participation in future international competitions.

When the students shared their ambition to establish technology-based businesses after graduation, Tarique Rahman said the government would provide assistance through its startup programmes.

He also stressed the importance of expanding Bangladesh's economic base by promoting high-potential sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, furniture and cosmetics alongside the readymade garment industry.

The prime minister said the government is giving special priority to developing the semiconductor industry by attracting investment and building a skilled workforce. He also encouraged Bangladeshi semiconductor professionals working abroad to return home and contribute to the country's industrial development.

Defence Adviser retired Brigadier General AKM Shamsul Islam, MIST Commandant Major General Md Hakimuzzaman, senior MIST officials and representatives of the championship-winning team attended the meeting.