"Where global AI builders create the technology of tomorrow"—under this theme, Daffodil International University is set to host the ‘International AI Builders Congress 2026’ for the first time in country

CloudCamp Bangladesh in collaboration with Daffodil International University is going to host the mega event ‘International AI Builders Congress 2026’ for the first time aiming to provide the country's young students with access to a world-class educational platform. The theme for this year's congress is "Where global AI builders create the technology of tomorrow." The event will take place on December 26, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM at the Daffodil International University campus in Birulia, Savar, Dhaka. Participation in the event is completely free and open to everyone; registration is currently underway.

All these information was announced today, October 7, 2026 (Wednesday), at a press conference held in the university's Green Garden. Professor Dr. M. R. Kabir, Vice-Chancellor of Daffodil International University, attended as the chief guest and read out a prepared statement outlining the details of the ‘International AI Builders Congress 2026’. Mohammad Mahadi Uzzaman, President of CloudCamp Bangladesh, and Dr. Nadir Bin Ali, Registrar of Daffodil International University, joined as special guests. Professor Dr. Md. Fokhray Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Information Technology, presided over the press conference. Journalists' questions were answered by Professor Dr. Farnaz Narin Noor, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science and Information Technology; Professor Dr. Sheikh Rashed Haider Noori, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering; and the Head of the Department of Software Engineering. Imran Mahmud; Sarwar Hossain Molla, Head of the Department of Computing and Information Systems; Munir Hasan, President of the Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN); and Ariful Hasan Apu, Director, along with Shahid Hossain, General Secretary of Cloud Camp Bangladesh.

It was announced at the press conference that this congress is not merely a standard hackathon or conference; rather, it is a six-month-long "builder's journey" that began in July and will conclude on December 26 with a one-day global showcase. The event aims to bring together over 5,000 AI builders to work on solving real-world problems across 11 global domains and 55 challenge tracks.

The press conference further revealed that the competition is divided into two segments, with participants eligible to take part in either one. The first is the "Team-Built Product Competition," where teams of 3 to 5 members will spend six months developing a production-ready AI product.

The second is the "AI-Native Single Prompt Application Building Challenge & Launch," where 500 selected contestants will build a complete enterprise-grade application live within a single hour on the event day, using only one master prompt.

AI-Native Single Prompt Challenge: The objective of this challenge is to create a complete, public, enterprise-grade application ecosystem starting from just a single master prompt. Selected contestants will build directly—live and within one hour—on the day of the event; this serves as a real-world demonstration of the future of AI-assisted software engineering. Opportunity Connect: A year-round platform where participants can schedule one-on-one meetings with recruiters, investors, and higher education consultants, paving the way for jobs, internships, investments, and scholarships.

Mentoring & Global NRB Collaboration: Experienced mentors will support each team with project guidance, architecture reviews, and presentation preparation. Additionally, the active participation of expatriate Bangladeshi experts (NRBs) will bring global-standard expertise to every team.

In-Person Judging: On the event day, an expert panel will evaluate each team's project based on five criteria: innovation, technical proficiency, business potential, global scalability, and responsible AI.

Winners will receive cash prizes totaling approximately 1 million BDT, along with trophies, certificates of achievement, exclusive partner benefits, media recognition, and opportunities for global showcasing.

Mohammad Mahdi-uz-Zaman, Founder and Chairman of CloudCamp Bangladesh, stated, "The International AI Builders Congress is not just a one-day event—it is a six-month journey where young people learn, create, and prove themselves as global builders. We want Bangladesh to be known not merely as a consumer of technology, but as a reliable source of world-class AI builders. This initiative, bringing together over 5,000 builders across 11 domains, is a major step toward that goal."

Daffodil International University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. R. Kabir said, "Daffodil International University is proud to co-host the International AI Builders Congress. This is not merely a competition—it is an opportunity to bring the country's young students onto a world-class educational platform where they will gain hands-on experience in solving real-world problems. We are delighted to host this event on our campus, and we believe that this initiative by Daffodil will have a long-term positive impact on Bangladesh's education and technology sectors."

The strategic goal of this congress is to establish Bangladesh not merely as a user of technology, but as a reliable source of AI-native builders, teams, and solutions for the global economy. The event features Anwar Group as the Platinum Partner; Robust as the Silver Partner; Synborn as the Creative Partner; and AWS, Lovable, Career Canvas, and Astronus Tech as Technology Partners.

For details and registration, please visit: cloudcampbd.com/ai-builders-congress

CloudCamp Bangladesh Secretariat Email: Secretariat@cloudcampbd.com

Phone: +880 16708 42356

Runner Group Chairman Hafizur Rahman Khan Joins 18th Industry–Academia Lecture Series at DIU

With the aim of familiarizing students with practical experiences from the industry, developing the knowledge and perspectives necessary to become entrepreneurs, and creating a connection between academic learning and real-world industry practices, the 18th session of the ‘Industry-Academia Lecture Series on Entrepreneurship Development’ was held on 5 October 2026 at the International Conference Hall of Daffodil Smart City, Savar. The session was organized by the Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Industrial Innovation Center (IIC) of Daffodil International University (DIU).

Hafizur Rahman Khan, Chairman of Runner Group, was present at the event as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker. The event was chaired by Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Chairman of Daffodil Group. Also present were Professor Dr. Masum Iqbal, Pro Vice Chancellor of Daffodil International University; Dr. Hamidul Haque Khan, Treasurer of the University; Professor Dr. Mohammad Rokibul Kabir, Dean of the Faculty of Business & Entrepreneurship; Professor Dr. S. M. Mahbub Ul Haque Majumder, Dean of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology; Professor Dr. Md. Bellal Hossain, Director of the Industrial Innovation Center; along with other Deans of the University , faculty members, students, and invited guests.

At the ‘Life Journey Sharing Session,’ prominent businessman Hafizur Rahman Khan shared the ups and downs of his several-decade-long business journey and his practical experiences with the students. He spoke about his journey as an entrepreneur, the various challenges he faced in building his businesses, and the principles and values that played a role in his personal and professional development.

Addressing the students, he said, “Students should first identify their own skills and utilize those skills to prepare themselves for the future. By adapting to changes and acquiring new skills, they can further advance their careers.”

Highlighting the importance of effective collaboration between industry and academia, Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Chairman of Daffodil Group and the Board of Trustees of Daffodil International University, said, “Failure should be accepted as an important learning step on the path to success. The real potential for entrepreneurial success lies in moving forward with confidence, patience, and a sense of responsibility while facing every challenge.” He added that through various initiatives, students have the opportunity to gain practical insights into the industry and make more effective use of their skills and potential.

An open question-and-answer session was held following the discussion. During the session, students had the opportunity to directly ask Hafizur Rahman Khan questions about starting a business, managing business growth, and the realities of Bangladesh’s industrial sector.

One of the highlights of the programme was the presentation of research and analyses by DIU students. The students presented two separate analyses-one on the business growth and economic contribution of Runner Group of Companies, and the other on the financial and operational activities of Runner Automobiles PLC. The presentations provided a practical illustration of how knowledge acquired in the classroom can be applied to real-world corporate case studies.

Speaking on the occasion, Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Masum Iqbal highlighted the significance of the initiative. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Professor Dr. Md. Bellal Hossain, Director of the Industrial Innovation Center.

The Industry-Academia Lecture Series is an important initiative of Daffodil International University. By creating opportunities for students to interact directly with leading entrepreneurs and business leaders of the country, the series is building a bridge between academic learning and practical industry experience. The initiative continues to contribute to developing students’ entrepreneurial mindset, enhancing their practical knowledge, and preparing them for their future careers.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Masum Iqbal, Pro Vice Chancellor of Daffodil International University distributing certificates among the participants of Seminar & Training on “AI for Healthcare Professionals”.

Savar, Dhaka, 3 October 2026 - Daffodil International University (DIU) hold the Seminar & Training Certificate Giving Ceremony on “AI for Healthcare Professionals today (Saturday) on 3 October 2026 at Prof. Dr. Aminul Islam Seminar Hall, of the university at Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka-1216.

The program was organized by the Office of the Advisor, Strategy and Innovation, in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), DIU, and Skill Jobs, Daffodil Group.  The event marks the successful completion of the first two-month training cohort involving more than 40 specialized doctors, healthcare professionals and hospital management representatives.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Masum Iqbal, Pro Vice Chancellor of DIU, attended as Chief Guest and distributed Certificates among the participants while Professor Dr. Gias U. Ahsan, Advisor, Strategy and Innovation, and Professor of Public Health, chaired the programme. The program was also addressed among others by Professor Dr. S. M.Mahbub Ul Haque Majumder, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Mr. Aqib Arafat Khan, Member, Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Md. Bellal Hossain, Department of Nutrition and Food Engineering, Prof. Dr. Dr. Khondoker Moazzam Hossain, Head, Department of Genetic Engineering and Bio-Technology, Professor Dr. Sheak Rashed Haider Noori, Professor and Head of the Department of CSE, Professor Dr. A. B. M. Alauddin Chowdhury, Professor and Head of the Department of Public Health, Md. Rasedul Islam, Assistant Professor in the Department of CSE, Monwarul Islam Rebel, Head of Business at Skill Jobs and Head of Industrial Linkage, CDC, DIU,

The programme focused on ethical and responsible AI adoption in healthcare, clinical productivity, capacity building and AI solutions tailored to the needs of healthcare institutions. It will bring healthcare professionals and technology stakeholders together to explore practical applications of AI and personalised agents.

The top three selected participant-developed AI agents were showcased, followed by crest presentations recognizing outstanding achievements. Successful participants received training certificates at the program.

Participants along with distinguished guests pose for a photograp at the day-long training workshop titled "Cyber ​​Awareness for Young Minds (CAYM) 2026" centered on the theme "Smart, Safe, and Secure: Practical Cybersecurity for School & College Students," organized by the Cyber ​​Security Center (CSC) of Daffodil International University.

A day-long training workshop titled "Cyber ​​Awareness for Young Minds (CAYM) 2026" was held on September 26, 2026 at the Daffodil International University campus. Centered on the theme "Smart, Safe, and Secure: Practical Cybersecurity for School & College Students," the program aimed to raise cyber security awareness among students, foster responsible digital behavior, and provide practical knowledge on mitigating online risks.

Approximately 90 students and over 20 teachers from Rajuk Uttara Model College, Milestone School and College, Mahim Model School and College, and Daffodil International University School and College participated in the event. Through various sessions, discussions, and interactive activities held throughout the day, participants were educated on maintaining a safe digital lifestyle and dealing with cyber risks.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Masum Iqbal, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Daffodil International University, attended the inaugural ceremony held at the university's International Conference Hall as the chief guest. Also present at the event were Professor Dr. Md. Fokhray Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Information Technology (FSIT); Professor Dr. Imran Mahmud, Head of the Department of Software Engineering; and Dr. Rubaiyat Islam, Director of the Cyber ​​Security Center (CSC) and Associate Professor in the Department of Software Engineering. Organized by the university's Cyber ​​Security Center (CSC), the event was conducted under the overall supervision and guidance of Dr. Rubaiyat Islam, Director of the CSC and Associate Professor in the Department of Software Engineering.

A major highlight of the day-long program was the session titled "Workshop on Social Media Crime & Digital Crime." During this session, Tanvir Hassan Zoha—a prosecutor at the International Crimes Tribunal, cybercrime investigator, and digital forensics expert—shared real-world experiences and provided crucial insights regarding social media-related crimes, digital fraud, and cyber security. Additionally, in a session titled "Fintech Scam," Md. Saiful Islam Rajib—a cybersecurity expert and the Head of Cyber ​​Security at HSBC Bangladesh—raised student awareness regarding online financial fraud, the risks associated with digital transactions, and safe financial practices. In another session titled "Online Bullying, Harassment, and Fake News," entrepreneur and development worker F. M. Sarwar Hossain discussed online bullying, the impact of misinformation, and the importance of responsible digital behavior.

Alongside the cybersecurity awareness sessions, the event featured campus tours, open discussions, and Q&A segments, offering students the opportunity to interact directly with experts. Fundamental concepts of cybersecurity were presented to the school and college students in a simple yet effective manner through real-life examples, interactive presentations, and participatory activities.

Furthermore, special information leaflets prepared by the Cyber ​​Security Center (CSC) were distributed to the participating students; these leaflets provided an A-to-Z guide to key cybersecurity terms and terminology. This initiative aimed to enrich the students' vocabulary and provide them with a foundational understanding of cybersecurity.

Certificates were awarded to the participating students during the closing ceremony. Additionally, certificates of appreciation were presented to representatives from Rajuk Uttara Model College, Milestone School and College, Mahim Model School and College, and Daffodil International University School and College in recognition of their participation and cooperation.

The organizers stated that such initiatives play a vital role in fostering personal data protection, the ability to detect online fraud, safe internet usage, and responsible digital citizenship among students. At the same time, the event contributes positively to building a conscious, safe, and responsible digital culture within a technology-driven society.

Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Founder and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Daffodil International University (DIU), speaking as a distinguished panelist in the session “The Commitment of University Presidents to Student Success: IAUP Experiences” at CETYS University’s 65th Anniversary Celebration in Mexico.

Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Founder and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Daffodil International University (DIU), participated as a distinguished panelist in the session “The Commitment of University Presidents to Student Success: IAUP Experiences” at CETYS University’s 65th Anniversary Celebration in Mexico.

The high-level panel was held on September 21, 2026, at the Auditorio Paccar, CETYS University’s Mexicali Campus, bringing together university leaders from different regions of the world to exchange perspectives on institutional leadership, student success, and the evolving responsibilities of university presidents.

The panel featured an internationally distinguished group of higher education leaders, including Tomás D. Morales, President-Elect of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) and President Emeritus of California State University, San Bernardino; Kakha Shengelia, Rector of Caucasus University, Georgia and Alejandro Cruzata, Rector of Universidad Señor de Sipán, Peru. The session was moderated by Deborah Lieberman, President Emerita of the University of La Verne and of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP).

Dr. Sabur Khan’s participation highlighted the growing international recognition of Bangladesh’s higher education leadership and DIU’s commitment to placing student success, entrepreneurship, innovation, and global engagement at the center of university development.

During the discussion, Dr. Khan emphasized that student success extends beyond obtaining an academic degree. He highlighted the importance of developing students’ practical skills, confidence, entrepreneurial mindset, and ability to create opportunities for themselves and others. He also stressed the need for universities to build environments where students can translate academic knowledge into meaningful real-world impact.

A key message emerging from his contribution was that universities must increasingly move “Beyond Degrees” by preparing graduates not only for employment but also for leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and opportunity creation.

Dr. Khan also connected student success with the broader agenda of internationalization in higher education. He emphasized that internationalization should go beyond formal agreements and institutional partnerships and should instead lead to joint projects, entrepreneurship initiatives, knowledge exchange, student opportunities, and measurable outcomes. He also emphasized the importance of transforming global academic connections into meaningful opportunities for students and communities.

His participation at the CETYS University 65th Anniversary celebration further reflects DIU’s continued commitment to international collaboration, student-centered education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the development of globally connected higher education.

Professor Dr. Gias U. Ahsan, Advisor, Strategy and Innovation and Professor of Public Health, conducted the training session on “Research and Grant Writing Excellence” jointly organized by the Office of the Advisor, Strategy and Innovation and the Division of Research, with support from the Grant Writing Task Force.


Daffodil International University (DIU) organized a highly impactful training program titled“Research and Grant Writing Excellence” on 22 September 2026. The program was jointly organized by the Office of the Advisor, Strategy and Innovation and the Division of Researchwith support from the Grant Writing Task Force.

Professor Dr. Gias U. Ahsan, Advisor, Strategy and Innovation and Professor of Public Health, conducted the principal training session as the Keynote Speaker. Drawing upon his extensive experience in securing and managing national and international research grants, he presented practical strategies for developing competitive proposals, aligning applications with funders’ priorities and evaluation criteria, understanding reviewers’ expectations, building strong multidisciplinary teams, designing robust methodologies, and preparing realistic budgets.

The program was chaired by the Director, Division of Research, with valuable technical contributions from members of the Task Force. Approximately 162 faculty members registered for the program, reflecting the strong interest of DIU academics in advancing their research and grant-writing competencies.
The interactive and practice-oriented session was highly appreciated by the participants. It is expected to significantly strengthen DIU’s institutional research culture, enhance faculty capacity to secure national and international funding, and support the university’s continuing journey toward research excellence and global impact.

Dr. Md. Sabur Khan Joins Global Higher Education Leaders at MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum 2026 in Dubai

Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Founder and Chairman of Daffodil International University (DIU) and Daffodil Group, Bangladesh, is participating as a distinguished VIP speaker at the 7th MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum (MENA-HELF 2026), being held from September 28–30, 2026, at the Kempinski Central Avenue, Dubai, UAE.

Organized by the Center for Learning Innovations and Customized Knowledge Solutions (CLICKS), the forum brings together senior leaders from higher education, government, industry and international organizations to explore how universities can respond to global challenges while creating meaningful local impact.

Dr. Md. Sabur Khan is participating in the opening panel on September 29, titled “Bridging Boundaries: Building a Collaborative Ecosystem for Workforce Readiness and Social Impact,” moderated by Prof. Yusra Mouzughi, Provost, University of Birmingham Dubai. The panel brings together distinguished international leaders, including Prof. Bassam Alameddine, President of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), UAE; Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, UAE; Prof. Ahmed Elseragy, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Employability) and Dean of The British University in Egypt; Dr. Kinan Bahnassi, Senior Adviser, Labour Market and Education Policy, Education & Human Development & Community Council, UAE; and Morwenna Crago, Senior Director, Marketing, Product & Sales Enablement, Higher Education – McGraw Hill International.

The discussion focuses on strengthening collaboration among universities, industry, government and civil society to improve workforce readiness, promote innovation and generate measurable social impact.

“Our responsibility is not only to prepare graduates for employment, but to empower them to innovate, create opportunities and contribute to society.”

Dr. Khan’s participation further reflects DIU’s continued engagement with international higher education networks and its emphasis on connecting academic collaboration with practical outcomes, global employability and societal development.

Daffodil International University (DIU) hosted ‘Nabanno e Bangaliyana,’ a vibrant celebration of rural culture and the rich heritage of Bengal. The highlight of the event was an inter-university folk competition featuring participants from eight (8) universities.

The program, organized by DIU’s Change Together club, took place on November 25 (Monday) at the university’s campus in Birulia, Savar. The Treasurer of DIU, Dr. Hamidul Haque Khan, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Special guests included Prof. Dr. Md. Bellal Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, and Prof. Dr. Liza Sharmin, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Also present were Assistant Professor and Director (In-Charge) of Student Affairs Amit Chakraborty, alongside the club’s conveners and members.

The event was further enriched by the presence of popular celebrities Irfan Sajjad, Tahiya Tajin Khan Ayesha, and members of the Voyal team, who joined as special guests.
The inter-university folk competition featured teams from several prominent universities, including: IUB Music Club, BRAC University Cultural Club, BUFT Fashion Club, North-South University Folk Creation, Dhaka International University Cultural Club, Natyam, Jahangirnagar University, Southeast Cultural Society, Eastern University Cultural Club (EUCC). Additionally, the event included a DIU Startup Market where young entrepreneurs showcased innovative and creative products. The program was further enlivened by mesmerizing performances of traditional folk songs and dances, highlighting the beauty of Bengali heritage.

Jasia Mustafa, Lecturer (Senior Scale) of the Department of Management and Convener of the Change Together club, stated, ‘Nabanno e Bangaliyana’ is a heartfelt tribute to the traditions of Bengal. It has inspired students and the community to reconnect with the cultural roots of Bengal, fostering unity and creativity. This celebration of love and respect for heritage has left a lasting impression on all participants.

Daffodil International University (DIU) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with ten (10) prestigious universities around the world. These agreements were signed with the commitment to fostering collaborative attitudes in the international educational sector and the promise of providing modern education to students.

Recently, during the 17th General Conference of the Association of the Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) held at Jagran Lakecity University in Bhopal, India from November 18–20, 2024, these agreements were officially finalized. On behalf of DIU, the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, signed the documents. The universities with which DIU has signed these agreements include Adamson University, Bataan Peninsula State University, Our Lady of Fatima University, and Liceo de Cagayan University from the Philippines; Vikrant University and IES University from India; Mainz University of Applied Sciences from Germany; Washington University of Science and Technology from the USA; Danubius University from Romania; and University of Saint Joseph from Macau, China.

Through these agreements, the universities will collaborate on joint research, new academic innovations, faculty and student exchange programs, virtual learning platforms, and creating scholarship opportunities for students. DIU has entered into these agreements with the goal of addressing current global challenges in education, promoting cultural exchange, and enhancing mutual cooperation between these international educational institutions. Additionally, DIU is committed to ensuring a modern and sustainable educational environment on the global stage.

In his speech at the conference, Dr. Md. Sabur Khan stated that these agreements will help improve the quality of education worldwide and create more academic opportunities for faculty and students. He emphasized the need for further cooperation between institutions to make education more technology-driven and student-friendly.

After the AUAP conference, Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, at a special invitation, visited IES University in India on November 21. During this visit, he signed another separate MoU with the university, in which both he and the Chancellor of IES University, ER. B.S. Yadav, agreed to jointly carry out various activities and pledged to improve the education sector. Furthermore, during a special session, Dr. Khan advised the young students of IES University to prepare themselves to emerge as entrepreneurs. As a successful entrepreneur in Bangladesh's technology and educational sector, Dr. Khan has been regularly conducting sessions at various universities and conferences across Asia to guide and motivate young entrepreneurs with valuable insights and strategies to succeed in the current market.